You walk into a bar. It's crowded, smokey, and tense.
Members of the Diamondback gang occupy one side of the room.
Red Pirates linger near the exits, watching everyone who comes and goes.
You can feel the balance of the room resting on a knife's edge, waiting for someone to move first.
[[Back the Diamondbacks->SideDiamondbacks]]
[[Back the Red Pirates->SideRedPirates]]
[[Keep your head down and observe->StayNeutral]]
<<set $diamondbackGang = 0>>
<<set $redPirates = 0>>
/* Rival faction system. Helping one faction hurts the other */<<set $diamondbackGang += 1>>
<<set $redPirates -= 1>>
You make it clear where you stand. The Diamonbacks notice immediately.
[[Continue->ChoiceResult]]<<set $redPirates += 1>>
<<set $diamondbackGang -= 1>>
A few Red Pirates exchange looks as you speak. Word travels fast in a room like this.
[[Continue->ChoiceResult]]<<set $diamondbackGang -= 1>>
<<set $redPirates -= 1>>
You say nothing and stay neutral.
Neither side seems pleased with your caution.
[[Continue->ChoiceResult]] The tension inside the bar increases.
Whatever you did, it was noticed.
[[Step Outside->Outcome]]<<if $diamondbackGang > $redPirates>>
A Diamondback leans close as you pass. "You're with us now," he says quietly.
<<elseif $redPirates > $diamondbackGang>>
A Red Pirate steps into your path. "Careful who you're seen with," he warns.
<<else>>
Unfriendly eyes follow you from every corner.
<</if>>
[[Leave the bar->FinalOutcome]]<<if $diamondbackGang <= -1 and $redPirates <= -1>>
Men step out of the darkness as you leave the bar. You don't get far.
<<elseif $diamondbackGang > $redPirates>>
You disappear into the snowy night, protected by Diamondback eyes. For now.
<<elseif $redPirates > $diamondbackGang>>
You slip into the snowy night with Red Pirates watching your back. For now.
<<else>>
You walk into the snowy night under watchful eyes, unsure who will make the next move.
<</if>>
THE END