Sloane Cee Quest Start Example

Prompt: //On the outskirts of a large city, a snuffling noise coming from a sewage pipe alerts you to the presence of a living creature. The player can investigate what’s there and find a small creature/monster (your choice). The creature speaks your language, and tells you it’s trying to get into the city, but its kind have been forbidden from entering. It sees you as someone who could help. Why does it want to enter the city? Can its reasons be trusted? How will the player help, what will they learn, and is it possible for them to profit from the situation?// 0. [[Writing Test]] 0. [[Twine Tutorial & Tips]]

//The player approaches a mighty, gated city, with tall, impregnable walls. Parapets line the top, and guards in shining steel armor patrol the walkways. The town gates are guarded by equally armored knights, both wielding ornate spears that seem equally likely to cause lasting damage as they are ostentatious. Surrounding the city, however, is a forest of verdant green.// [[Continue->Exploring the Perimeter]]

NARRATOR: Be sure to encorparate narration as texture to feed the player information that can't be carried by through the visuals or sound design. //Describe the actions necessary for your scene to read with cinematic context, but keep the drama moving with dialogue and offering the player choices.// NARRATOR: The player's lines are delivered through the dialog choices themselves. On average try to include a minmum of 4 dialog options per choice space. 0. [[Makes sense.]] 0. [[Should I use conditional statements to reflect player's choices?]] 0. [[Do all four choices have to create new passages?->What else should I know?]] 0. [[What else should I know?]]

NARRATOR: Not every passage needs to open up a choice space. If you need to break a beat off from surrounding information for readability a simple "Continue." option is all that's needed. 0. [[Continue.->A few final notes.]]

NARRATOR: Depends. Do you feel this is best way to impact the player's experience? 0. (link: "I do.")[(set: $conditional to 1)(goto: "Conditional Explanation")] 0. [[Hmm, maybe not.->Conditional Explanation]]

NARRATOR: Not all choices need to create discrete passages. Use the `[[Display Text->Target Passage Name]]` syntax to create a dialog choice that sends the player to a passage that already exists. 0. [[Got it.->Display Explanation]] 0. [[Wait, do you think should I use conditionals?->Should I use conditional statements to reflect player's choices?]]

NARRATOR: Rather than having a flowchart read like a bowl spaghetti with a bunch of criss-crossing connections, use the Display command to reference non-adjacent passages. (display:"Makes sense.")

NARRATOR: Don't overthink the Twine aspects of this test - any conditionality or flourish you add should serve player immersion. We're not grading on mastery of Twine, we're looking for solid storytellers that won't get lost expressing ideas in a non-linear fashion. 0. [[ Continue->End]]

(if:$conditional is 1)[NARRATOR: Then feel free to add them.] NARRATOR: For the most part creating banches with discrete passages will be easier to track and leverage for telling the most memorable story. Don't forget the player only knows the options they can read. {(if:$conditional is 1)[1. [[Cool, I won't run away with it.->Makes sense.]]] (if:$conditional is 0)[1. [[Thank you for the advice.->Makes sense.]]]} 2. [[Anything else I should know?->What else should I know?]]

NARRATOR: Reading a sequence out loud can also help you experience your writing with fresh eyes. Don't forget to play through your sequence a few times before submission. NARRATOR: Please be sure to reach out to your recruiter with any questions or if you need an extension. ''END''

//Walking along the perimeter of the city is a simple endeavor, with lush foliage on one side, and the telltale sign of civilization, towering over nature on the other. Twigs crumple into splinters beneath the player's boots, and the simple sounds of nature float through the air: birds chirping, wind rustling through brush, and the creaking of tall, old trees. A large, iron sewer pipe juts out from the wall, sewage slowly trickling from it onto the ground, forming a shallow puddle.// NARRATOR: Chittering, squeaking, and scratching can be heard from the sewer pipe. [[Continue.->Sewer Pipe]]

//Approaching the sewer pipe, the player sees a small, white rat is trying to squeeze through the grate, its hind legs kicking as it tries and pushes itself through.// SNIFKER: Ugh... ah! Come on, Snifker, you're almost through, just a little bit left...! SNIFKER: You won't let yourself be bested by a damn hole, will you? 0. [[Uh... hello there.->Greet Snifker]] 0. [[Do you need any help?->Ask To Help Snifker]] 0. [[Are you talking?->Are You Talking]] 0. [[*Leave.*->Refuse Quest 1]]

NARRATOR: The way the rat pauses, flinches, makes it clear he's unsettled, anxious, about your sudden approach. SNIFKER: Am I talking? Hah! What does this sound like? NARRATOR: He's clearly showing off his bravado in a bid to seem brave against an unknown threat. //Snifker grunts, but manages to pull himself out of the grate. He turns and looks up at you.// SNIFKER: You've never met a rat that's learned how to do more than squeak before? 0. [[Well... no, I haven't.->Haven't Heard A Talking Rat]] 0. [[I've met plenty of other talking animals, but not a rat.->Talking Animals, But Not Rats]] 0. [[How long did it take you to learn?->How Long To Learn]]

//The player takes a cautious step closer to the sewer pipe as they speak.// SNIFKER: Noooo, I'm doing this as a workout. Of course I need the help! This damn thing is too small for me to fit through! NARRATOR: After speaking, the rat pauses, then deflates slightly, immediately recognizing the unnecessary hostility in his voice. SNIFKER: Sorry about that. I'd really appreciate some help getting through this if you can. These are a little too small to fit my backside through. //The player helps push Snifker through the grate. It turns to face the player, and its red eyes seem like they're glowing as it looks up.// SNIFKER: Appreciate the help! Truly, you are a savior. NARRATOR: As the rat looks at you, it tilts its head ever so slightly, and recognition shines in its eyes. (set:$snifkerthroughgrate to 1) [[Continue.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: Huh? What!? //The rat squirms in place, kicking its back legs again.// NARRATOR: This time, the rat kicks out of fear and surprise than trying to push itself through. //It digs its hind claws down as best as possible, then pushes itself from the grate and turns to look up at the player.// SNIFKER: What do you need? As you can see, I'm quite busy. NARRATOR: The rat seems ill-suited for small talk at present. His hackles are up, and though you can't see his face, it's easy to tell his expression is one of steely determination. NARRATOR: As best as a rat can muster up such a look. 0. [[What are you doing?->What Are You Doing Snifker?]] 0. [[Do you need some help with that?->Ask To Help Snifker]] 0. [[How did you learn to talk?->How Long To Learn]] 0. [[*Stay silent.*->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: Say, you have the stink of an adventurer. //Snifker raises its nose in the air, its whiskers quivering as he starts to sniff.// SNIFKER: No, no, the stink of a hero! //The player folds their arms and tilts their head curiously, focused down at Snifker.// SNIFKER: I need a hero right now. One like you! (if:$snifkerthroughgrate is 1)[I mean, look at that mighty weapon you have!] (if:$snifkerthroughgrate is 1)[//Snifker stands up, letting his claws rest against the grate, his red eyes staring deep into the player's.//](else:)[//Snifker cranes his neck, just barely able to look at you.//] NARRATOR: The way he looks at you is nothing short of pleading. SNIFKER: My family was taken. I was off foraging for food for us, and as I was gathering berries, I found a campsite. An *empty* campsite that still had some food there! So I gathered up what I could in a nearby bush and went to go get the two of them. SNIFKER: When I got there, I saw a poacher shoving our boy into a net, and my partner was already in there. I followed her here but when I tried to chase after her at the gates, the guards shooed me away. 0. [[Why would a hunter want your family? No offense, but you're...->Poacher Wants Family]] 0. [[Tell me about your family.->Learn About Rat Family]] 0. [[You saw your family get taken. Did you get a good look at her?->Poacher Looks]] 0. [[Why go through all of the effort of the sewer when the front is perfectly fine?->Why Not Front Gates]] 0. [[And you want me to help?->Help Snifker]]

SNIFKER: What am I doing? You really have to ask that? SNIFKER: What's it look like I'm doing to you? I'm trying to get into this sewer! //Once again, Snifker starts to kick his hind legs, his claws scratching the iron as he tries to force himself through the hole in the grate that's clearly too small for the rest of him.// NARRATOR: No matter how hard he tries, he won't have much success without a helping hand. Literally. SNIFKER: I just need a few more minutes. Then I'll get through here, you'll see! //Snifker stretches his body to try and squeeze through the hole, to no avail. The player slowly steps forward.// 0. [[Do you need some help?->Ask To Help Snifker 2]] 0. [[All of this trouble just to get into these sewers?->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]] 0. [[Good luck with that.->Leave Quest 1]]

Why didn't you get into the city yourself: "I tried to give chase to that dastardly poacher, but the guards at the gates stopped me! They shouted some nonsense about 'not wanting their beautiful city dirtied by vermin.' What can you offer me: As you can guess, I don't exactly have much, but Ashwell recently found some rather sparkly gemstones. We don't really have much use for such things past admiring their splendor, but I'm sure he'd be willing to part with it. Things to cover: 1. Find Snifker 2. You can ask Snifker about why he can talk 3. Find out why Snifker is trying to get into the sewer 4. Ask about the family 5. Ask about why the poacher would want his family 6. Decide whether to leave or accept the quest //The rat's head dips sadly.// SNIFKER: Please, hero, adventurer, whoever you may be... I need help rescuing my family. I don't know what I'll do without them. NARRATOR: Wisdom (Perception): Despite being a species commonly considered opportunistic, tricky, and lowly, it's quite clear that everything he's told you so far is the sincerest truth. //The player is given a quest to get into the city, find the poacher, and rescue Snifker's family.// NARRATOR: The way the rat's eyes light up show that any potential misgivings he may have had with you have vanished in an instant. There's not just excitement in them, but more importantly, hope. NARRATOR: A hope to reunite with his loved ones. Hope that you were able to give him. //Snifker scurries partway down the pipe, then stops and turns.// SNIFKER: C'mon, we have no time to lose! NARRATOR: Though the grate is stifling, the drain pipe itself seems to be far more spacious. At the least, it can fit you, though comfort won't be guaranteed.

NARRATOR: The way the rat's eyes light up show that any potential misgivings he may have had have vanished in an instant. There's excitement in them, but more importantly, there's hope. NARRATOR: A hope to reunite with his loved ones. Hope that you were able to give him. NARRATOR: Snifker is shocked. Though he obviously considers his own kind in much higher standing, he figured a person would merely scoff at his stories, his pleas. His begging. SNIFKER: Thank you, truly, I owe you more than I can even imagine. (if:$paymentconditional is 1)[SNIFKER: As you can guess, I don't exactly have much, but Ashwell recently found some rather sparkly gemstones. We don't really have much use for such things past admiring their splendor, but I'm sure he'd be willing to part with it.] //Snifker turns and looks down the sewer pipe. His body is crouched low, as if ready to pounce.// SNIFKER: Now, help me through, hero! The two of us will stop that foul poacher with ease! (if:$snifkerthroughgrate is 1)[//Snifker scurries down the pipe, disappearing into the darkness of the sewer.//](else:)[//The player pushes Snifker through and he scurries down the pipe, disappearing into the darkness.//] (text-colour:green)[''QUEST ACCEPTED: RESCUE THE RAT FAMILY''] ''END''

NARRATOR: Whatever this rat is up to, it's clear they're so caught up in their own business that you're not even worth a fraction of a thought in their mind. //The player walks away from the pipe, free to investigate the rest of the city's perimeter and enter the city.// NARRATOR: Perhaps the local tavern will have suitable, food, drink, and jobs with which to fill your stomach and line your pockets. ''END''

NARRATOR: As much as it might be nice to help Snifker get his family back, there's too much going on for you to spend precious time helping a rat. //Snifker dips his head sadly, then slowly nods.// SNIFKER: I... understand. While I do wish I could've had your help in stopping this poacher most foul, I suppose I can't ask a hero to turn away from their life and adventures just to help me and my family. SNIFKER: Although, if you ever do stop around these parts again, or better yet, find this horrid poacher, help would truly be appreciated. (if:$snifkerthroughgrate is 1)[//The player nods to Snifker. Snifker nods back, then runs down the pipe, disappearing into the dark of the sewer.//](else:)[//The player nods to Snifker, who turns and attempts to squeeze through the same hole in the grate again, undeterred in his quest to find his family.//] //The player leaves, free to explore the rest of the city's perimeter and continue on their way to do as they please.// ''END''

SNIFKER: Yes, yes, we're rats. I understand that to most we're naught more than dirty little creatures, but my family is different. //The player folds their arms and listens quietly.// SNIFKER: Truly! SNIFKER: Our son, Ashwell, is a rare silverback rat. Not only does he have a lovely, steely silver coat of fur, but his body is stark silver, too! His kind is incredibly rare, and I imagine any *poacher* worth their salt would recognize as such. NARRATOR: The way he spits out the word 'poacher' is filled with venom. It isn't the first time he's referred to a hunter as such. SNIFKER: Gustaf isn't a silverback rat, but he does have a lovely grey coat. Even if there wouldn't be a lot of fur, I'm sure some horrid poacher would try to take it for... well, whatever needless purposes people have for furs. NARRATOR: As venomous as he is when he speaks of the poacher, his words are filled with an equal amount, no, even more fear, when he speaks of his family. It's clear how paramount it is that he saves them. [[Back.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: You... you want to learn about my family? NARRATOR: The rat is at a loss for words. No person has shown him such kindness before, it's clear, and all preconceived notions he holds of you dissipate in an instant. SNIFKER: Well, we aren't a family by blood, but by our bonds. About two years ago, I found Gustaf, and, what's the phrase your kind has? Love at first sight? //Snifker is quiet for a moment, then nods to himself.// SNIFKER: Yes, or love at first crumbs of bread shared together. We bonded in a cellar one night, and we've been inseparable ever since. I... can't imagine my life without him. NARRATOR: Though you never would've imagined, you can find yourself truly relate to Snifker: love and loss truly is something universal for all life. (set:$understandsnifker to 1) SNIFKER: A little while after that, we happened upon a small little rat, just a newborn, whose family was nowhere to be found. Whether they abandoned him or... NARRATOR: The way he trails off, it's clearly something he doesn't wish to say, though you can easily tell what he means to say. //Snifker shakes his head.// SNIFKER: We took him in and have kept him with us ever since. It's just been the three of us, and up until today we've been just fine. [[Back.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: Yes! Yes I did! I have a perfectly keen eye and I remember exactly what that dastardly woman looks like! NARRATOR: The question stirs new life in the rat. The simple question makes him feel like perhaps he has a chance to rescue his loved ones. SNIFKER: She had silver hair, firstly, though not as nice as my son's. NARRATOR: He says with a hint of angry bitterness. SNIFKER: She was clad in leather armor that was dyed a deep, ruby red. I've never seen such fanciful garb on a person in all my life! //The player looks down at themselves, then at Snifker.// SNIFKER: Well, aside from you, now. SNIFKER: She also had a rather nice bow slung upon her back. NARRATOR: Intelligence (Investigation): Although Snifker is focused on the armor in particular, it doesn't sound particularly striking. Something to help, sure, but the silver hair is what you latch onto. That will be the path forward. (set:$identifypoacher to 1) [[Back.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

NARRATOR: Snifker looks at you with the closest thing to a withering gaze he can muster. SNIFKER: You truly think I wouldn't have thought of that? I'm much smarter than that! SNIFKER: I gave chase to that dastardly poacher, but the guards at the gates stopped me! They shouted some nonsense about 'not wanting their beautiful city dirtied by vermin.' //Snifker's body droops.// SNIFKER: I was exhausted by the time we got there. There was no way I could get around those blasted guards and their blasted weapons! SNIFKER: I scurried away to avoid skewering, and when I saw this pipe, I knew this would be my chance! //Snifker smacks the grate angrily with his claws.// SNIFKER: But this *blasted* grate was too small for me to get through! SNIFKER: I've been stuck here and for all I know my family could be dead! Killed by that blasted poacher! [[Back.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: Well now you have! NARRATOR: Snifker seems frazzled. He's clearly in a hurry, given how he was scrambling to get into the sewer, and doesn't seem to care for small talk. NARRATOR: Not just that, but something about you being around sets him on edge. He's clearly uncomfortable being face to face with you. //Snifker stands on his hind legs, craning his neck to keep looking at you.// SNIFKER: Now, do you need anything? I'm quite busy, as you can see, and you're wiling away precious time! 0. [[Would you like some help?->Ask To Help Snifker]] 0. [[Don't most rats usually start in sewers? And stay in them?->Don't Rats Stay In Sewers]] 0. [[How long did it take you to learn how to speak?->How Long To Learn]] 0. [[Sorry, I'll leave you be.->Leave Quest 1]]

SNIFKER: So you've met other talking animals, yet a talking rat is the one that stumps you so much? NARRATOR: You realize that he has a point, but at the same time, a talking rat is rather shocking. SNIFKER: Perhaps rats just aren't so keen to talk to you? Did you think about that? //Snifker pauses for a beat.// SNIFKER: Hmph, sorry. I'm not keen on your kind-- not recently, at least. Nothing good ever comes from dealing with someone a hundred times your size. //Snifker lets out a long, drawn out squeak, that can best be construed as some sort of sigh.// NARRATOR: Whatever has happened to Snifker to leave him so distrustful, it's left deep, deep scars. No doubt your presence leaves him reticent still. 0. [[I've been equally surprised at other talking animals. I never expected to meet a talking rat.->Haven't Heard A Talking Rat]] 0. [[So what are you trying to do, then?->What Are You Doing Snifker?]] 0. [[Surely a rat should have no issue getting into a sewer.->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]] 0. [[*Leave.*->Refuse Quest 1]]

SNIFKER: Really? You see me stuck here, trying to wriggle my way into this sewer, and you're striking up a //casual// conversation about language learning? //Unable to see, Snifker pauses for a moment, then lets out what can only be construed as a rat's sigh: a long, almost defeated squeak.// SNIFKER: About three years. I spent a lot of time crawling under the floorboards of musty taverns, and once I learned how to say my first words, the rest came pretty simple. NARRATOR: Three years of crawling in taverns for crumbs of cheese and bread and unfinished mugs of mead would typically render one less inclined to speak so eloquently. 0. [[So you're trying to get into the sewer?->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]] 0. [[Need a hand? You seem stuck.->Ask To Help Snifker 2]] 0. [[If you frequented alehouses before, why not stay?->Rats In Alehouses]]

SNIFKER: What? You truly wish to help? //Snifker begins to squeak, almost as if laughing.// NARRATOR: However, he is not laughing at the idea of receiving help from you, but laughing at how sorry of a state he's in. SNIFKER: It would be... much appreciated, if you don't mind. //With an open palm, the player shoves Snifker through. He tumbles, greeting the water draining out face first.// //He spits out the water and shakes his fur to dry himself as best he can.// SNIFKER: Ugh. I know that the sewer is the only way in, but I wish the water wasn't so disgusting. //Snifker turns to look at the player. He nods.// SNIFKER: Thank you for your help. Truly. NARRATOR: Despite his prior attitude, his words are heartfelt. (set:$snifkerthroughgrate to 1) [[Continue.->Snifker Asks For Help]]

SNIFKER: Hmph! SNIFKER: Come up to a poor rat and bother them, then just traipse off. I see how it is. SNIFKER: Go on then, go about your adventuring! Leave poor Snifker to struggle. NARRATOR: He's as hurt and defeated as he is angry, mumbling under his breath as he once again tries to force himself through the grate. //The player walks away from the pipe, free to investigate the rest of the city's perimeter and enter the city.// NARRATOR: Perhaps the local tavern will have suitable, food, drink, and jobs with which to fill your stomach and line your pockets. ''END''

//Snifker scoffs.// SNIFKER: What, you think all rats are just born in sewers? That our natural habitat is dank, dark, and surrounded with sewage water? NARRATOR: The rat is both unamused and rankled at your words, disdain dripping from its own. SNIFKER: I'm from the woods originally. I mostly stayed underground when I was young, near another town not too far from here, but the older I grew the more I started to venture around. SNIFKER: Now I need to-- ngh-- get through here! //Snifker continues to try and squeeze through as he speaks, his words strained each time he tries to push through the hole.// 0. [[Look, I mean no offense, I'm just curious, is all.->Mean No Harm To Snifker]] 0. [[Yet now you want into the sewer?->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]] 0. [[Do you need a last push to get in there?->Ask To Help Snifker 2]] 0. [[Well, good luck with that.->Leave Quest 1]]

//The rat's head dips sadly.// SNIFKER: Please, hero, adventurer, whoever you may be... I need help rescuing my family. I don't know what I'll do without them. NARRATOR: Wisdom (Insight): As much as you want to believe his touching tale, you can't help but wonder if he's weaved this particular story before. Or even if he hasn't, what details he might be hiding from you. NARRATOR: Though the grate is stifling, the drain pipe itself seems to be far more spacious. At the least, it can fit you, though comfort won't be guaranteed. 0. [[I'll help you out, Snifker.->Scene End]] 0. (link: "PERSUASION I don't usually help for free. Perhaps you can make this a bit more enticing for me?")[(set: $paymentconditional to 1)(goto: "Scene End")] 0. [[Unfortunately I can't help you right now. I wish you luck in reuniting with your family.->Refuse Quest 2]]

SNIFKER: A rat truly *should* have no trouble getting into a damn sewer, wouldn't you think? But this grate's holes are too damn small to push through! SNIFKER: I'm not even that big of a rat! This city just went too far in guarding its sewers! NARRATOR: Though you don't know *why* Snifker wants to get into the city so badly, you can tell that the need envelops him. NARRATOR: He is a rat on a mission. One that, to him, is of life and death importance. //The player takes a step forward and crouches down partially in order to be more level with the sewer pipe.// NARRATOR: He may not be able to see you still, but the sounds of your footsteps causes his ears to perk up and alerts him to your purpose. [[Continue.->Ask To Help Snifker 2]]

SNIFKER: And have to hide all my life? Sure, the food was good, and I was able to learn the language of your people, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. SNIFKER: How would you feel if you had to hide underfoot of others all your life? NARRATOR: It's easy to tell the differences between you two spans the deepest, widest canyons. Though you can gain insight into each other's lives, you doubt you'd be able to truly understand each other.(set:$understandconditional to 1) //Water slowly drip, drip, drips from the sewer, filling the silence that falls between the player and the rat.// 0. [[Perhaps I could help you through, then?->Ask To Help Snifker 2]] 0. [[You don't want to remain underfoot but you're trying to get into the sewer? Or is that just a normal rat thing? No offense.->Mean No Harm To Snifker]] 0. [[If you could sneak into an alehouse so easily, then surely a sewer shouldn't be this difficult.->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]]

//Though not a humanoid laugh, Snifker makes a strange wheezing-squeaking sound that sounds close enough.// SNIFKER: 'Oh, I mean you no offense, Snifker! I'm just implying all rats are sewer vermin!' NARRATOR: The words are as sour on his tiny tongue as they are to your ears, and he seems to regret the hostility almost immediately. SNIFKER: Maybe *you* don't mean any trouble, but that's not the same for all of your kind. SNIFKER: People like you are quick to judge little creatures like us. //For the moment, the rat's distress has caused him to stop trying to push himself through the hole, instead lying there sadly.// SNIFKER: Too quick to do what they please with little creatures like us, even if we don't want it. 0. [[Then let me help you out to show I truly hold no ill will to you or your kind.->Ask To Help Snifker 2]] 0. [[I have nothing against you going in there if that's what you want.->A Rat Getting Into A Sewer]] 0. [[I'm not like that, but if you're going to say as such, then so be it.->Leave Quest 1]]