Castle of Thread, A

Marshal Tenner Winter 2017

Language:: English
Authors:: Marshal Tenner Winter
Systems:: Inform
Platforms:: Glulx
Genres:: IF Comp 2017
Entered by:: iamaran
Added:: 15-09-2020
Edited:: 20-02-2025

Synopsis

A century after The Cleansing Rains and a decade since the False Era ended and knowledge of the world returned to humanity, civilization reappears as independent city-states vie for power and territory. The old borders are no more and new kingdoms struggle to emerge and flourish. Weary of war, destruction, and corruption, many of these sovereignties, such as Slezamane and Badushizd, seek to avoid conflicts with neighbors and adopt isolationist or diplomatic policies. Some, however, like the Sovereign State of Caleah, maintain the ways of war and aggression.

Native of the ancient village of Euyesus, which sat unseen from most of the wars of the world, hidden beyond Fellwater Fen, you were raised in an erudite family and trained as an interpreter. Beyond the Common Tongue, which gained prevalence as a trade language, you also speak and read the bygone dialect, Ixteesh. It is this talent that brings you from Euyesus to Badushizd aboard one of your village's bilgescows; a swamp-treading barge used for the minimal trade that Euyesus does with a small handful of neighboring city-states.

Travelling with you is an appointed minder, or what some call a bodyguard. He is a sweaty, foul-mouthed sot but he's a proven soldier and loyal to Euyesus and the errand at hand. His name is Venkath Mock.

On a generally northeastern route, the bilgescow trudged through many miles of waterlogged swamp toward the strange and prosperous city of Badushizd. You have just woken and dressed, and the barge will reach the city's harbor by midday.