Conversation 417: VILLAGE / IDIOT DOOM SPIRAL

Idiot Doom Spiral Guy welcomes the return of Tequila Sunset! Tells the story of how you drove the car into the sea and drank with these drunks, and other tales of everything (in exchange of alcohol): cocaine skull, headless falnrider etc.

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This is a listing of every "entry" in a given game conversation as scraped from the game files. Entries often contain written dialogue, as well as conditional logic governing their appearance to the player. They also link to other entries, sometimes automatically and sometimes through player action. This page is best used to search for a specific word or phrase, as following the links in this format can be difficult. For an experience that better accommodates the branching structure of these conversations, see the corresponding interactive page.

Column definitions:
  • ID: a numerical index for the entry within this conversation.
  • Character: the character speaking or acting.
  • Dialogue: prose containing spoken dialogue and other description.
  • Conditions: logical checks governing this entry appearing or occurring.
  • Links: entries that might follow this one, depending on conditions and player choice. Most links are internal to this conversation, external links to other conversations are marked with the format (conversation ID, entry ID).
ID Character Dialogue Conditions Links
0 None
  • 1
1 None
  • 75
2 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, Tequila!" A thirty-something man clad in a two-piece Lickra(TM) tracksuit puts down his pilsner and extends his hand in greeting.
  • 143
3 None
  • 1339
  • 1118
  • 1116
  • 1108
  • 45
  • 4
  • 12
  • 515
  • 793
  • 964
  • 800
  • 1011
  • 1010
  • 122
  • 120
  • 394
  • 367
  • 368
  • 369
  • 268
  • 101
  • 362
  • 364
  • 83
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 5
4 You "What do you guys do around here?"
  • 7
5 You "Be seein' you." [Leave.]
  • 1038
6 Idiot Doom Spiral "You too, Tequila Sunset!"
  • 917
7 Idiot Doom Spiral "We are saving the world!" He looks at his comrades.
  • 1026
8 None
  • 3
9 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 10
  • 11
10 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 15
11 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 16
12 You "Could you and your pals sign this document?" (Show Evrart's letter.) (CheckItem("white_envelope_lilienne_signed") or CheckItem("white_envelope")) and IsTaskActive("TASK.find_two_random_people_to_sign_the_papers")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 13
13 Idiot Doom Spiral "What's it about?" He waves his hand apathetically. "Ah, I'll let my hand address the situation."
  • 106
14 Idiot Doom Spiral "Thanks, Rosie." He grabs the pen and paper from your hands and, very carefully, scribbles on the dotted line: 'Idiot Doom Spiral'.
  • 17
15 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey Abs!" He shouts to the non-responsive drunk still dribbling drool from the side of his mouth.
  • 22
16 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey Abs!" He shouts to the mumbling drunkard next to him. "HEY ABS!"
  • 18
17 You "I need at least two signatures on the document."
  • 9
18 Don't Call Abigail The man looks around confused. "Don't... ya... ya call Abigail."
  • 19
19 Idiot Doom Spiral "I need you to sign this document right here." He waves the paper and pen in front of the man's face. "It's important."
  • 20
20 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call her..." His trembling hand catches the paperwork. He lays it out on his knee and starts writing, slowly. The handwriting is almost illegible due to his shaky hands.
  • 21
21 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Domwtclall Abheqoeel*?" His friend grabs the document and admires it. "Great job, Abbs. Nailed it." He hands it back to you.
  • 32
22 Idiot Doom Spiral "HEY ABS! ABS!" He grabs his passed-out friend by the shoulder and shakes him a bit.
  • 949
23 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey! Goddamn *Abigail* is here, wake up! WAKE UP!" His efforts get no response.
  • 25
  • 24
24 You "Maybe someone else can help?" (Point to the third guy.)
  • 27
25 You "I don't think he can help, he's completely out of it."
  • 26
26 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'll be damned... uh, well, uh... that's what we have Rosemary for!" He points to the third drunkard. "You can help, right?"
  • 27
27 Rosemary The jolly man looks at you, then his friend in the tracksuit. "Sure I can fuckin' help. You need a signature -- I *got* you a signature."
  • 28
28 Rosemary Before you can reply he's already furiously scribbling something on the paper. When he hands the document back to you, the signature -- in upper case letters -- reads: "DON'T CALL ABIGAIL."
  • 950
29 You "You've done a great service to the village, to the RCM, and to Revachol.
  • 33
30 You "Uh, I guess that's it."
  • 34
31 You "Thanks."
  • 35
32 None
  • 110
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
33 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, guys -- we're heroes!" He waves his hand erratically to the other guys.
  • 36
34 Idiot Doom Spiral "Glad to have been of assistance!" He gives you a thumbs up. "After all this time, I feel like I've made a difference..."
  • 43
35 Idiot Doom Spiral "No problem!" He looks around for a bottle. "Now where'd I put that..."
  • 44
36 Rosemary "'Bout fuckin' time, man. I've done my duty." He brings his hand up to his head for a salute.
  • 38
37 Don't Call Abigail The incapacitated drunk lays there snoring like an ancient rusting tractor.
  • 941
38 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 39
  • 40
39 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 37
40 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 41
41 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call Abigail!" He snorts and takes a swig from his bottle. The bottle is empty.
  • 941
42 None
  • 3
43 Rosemary "Feels like a... like a thousand fuckin' reál, man. Doing *good*."
  • 38
44 Rosemary "Fuckin' 'ard work done for the day, man."
  • 38
45 You "Have you seen a woman named Ruby around here lately?" Variable["TASK.ask_about_ruby_in_village"] == true and Variable["TASK.locate_ruby_on_the_coast_done"] == false
  • 46
46 Idiot Doom Spiral "Can't really remember seeing any women after losing my keys."
  • 1096
47 You "I don't want to give you any alcohol. I'm not an enabler." (Don't do it now.)
  • 48
48 Idiot Doom Spiral "In that case, I'm not a storyteller." He crosses his legs and turns his gaze towards the ground.
  • 8
49 You "You want booze, don't you?" Variable["village.idiot_blackc_electrochem_knows"]
  • 51
50 You "What do you need?"
  • 52
51 Idiot Doom Spiral "I don't *want* it, man." His eyes light up. "I *need* it. Can't tell stories without it -- dry stories are boring, you see."
  • 85
52 Idiot Doom Spiral "Booze. Did you already forget our party?" He taps his finger to his temple. "The thing I relayed to you earlier?"
  • 85
53 Idiot Doom Spiral "Let me see..." He takes the bottle and inspects it closely. "Ah, very high concept, thanks."
  • 97
54 None
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 366
  • 898
  • 72
  • 965
  • 47
55 You "Here, I've got a Potent Pilsner." (Give it.) CheckItem("drug_alcohol_potent_pilsner")
  • 58
56 You "I've got this weird bottle of pale-aged vodka." (Give it.) CheckItem("drug_alcohol_pale_aged_vodka")
  • 53
57 You "I've got some sweet *Commodore Red*." (Give it.) CheckItem("drug_alcohol_commodore_red")
  • 59
58 Idiot Doom Spiral "Not much, but it will do..." He grabs the bottle from your hand and uncorks it immediately.
  • 97
59 Idiot Doom Spiral "Classy." He snatches the bottle and pushes the cork in through the bottleneck.
  • 97
60 Idiot Doom Spiral "The tale I'm about to tell you is an urban legend particular to Martinaise." He lifts the bottle to his lips and takes a long, luxuriant sip. "That said, I first heard it from a former bicycle courier in Couron..."
  • 326
61 Idiot Doom Spiral "Not that I can think of, currently."
  • 62
62 You "I guess that makes sense. You have been drinking *a lot*."
  • 63
63 Idiot Doom Spiral "That might be the case, yes."
  • 64
64 None
  • 3
65 You "I brought you some booze. Will you tell me about your name now?" Variable["village.get_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == true and Variable["XP.get_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == false and CheckItemGroup("alcohol") and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false
  • 370
66 You "I got you some more booze, can you tell me the next story now?" Variable["village.get_more_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == true and Variable["XP.get_more_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == false and CheckItemGroup("alcohol") and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false
  • 370
67 You "Found another batch of alcohol, can you tell me the third story now?" Variable["village.get_most_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == true and Variable["XP.get_most_alcohol_for_idiot_doom_spiral"] == false and CheckItemGroup("alcohol") and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false
  • 370
68 Idiot Doom Spiral "What's in a name..." He looks up to the sky as if pondering the question, then turns back to you.
  • 105
69 Idiot Doom Spiral He breathes in deeply, preparing his recitation...
  • 104
70 You "I have a feeling that this is going to cost me a lot." Variable["village.idiot_blackc_inland_scam"]
  • 71
71 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, the reality of the situation requires a rather modest contribution -- a little *motivational package*."
  • 319
72 You "I don't have any on me right now." CheckItemGroup("alcohol") == false
  • 86
73 Idiot Doom Spiral "Then I will see you again once you've procured some. *Par example*," he lifts his hands and spreads them wide, "my good friend Rosemary here sells all kinds of stuff."
  • 1037
74 None
  • 3
75 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 76
  • 77
76 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_greeting_done"]
  • 116
77 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_greeting_done"]) == false
  • 78
78 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 79
  • 80
79 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_mid_greet_exit"]
  • 81
80 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_mid_greet_exit"]) == false
  • 2
81 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, Tequila! Welcome to reality. How's it treating you?" A thirty-something Lickra(TM)-clad man takes a sip from his beer.
  • 126
82 None
  • 3
83 You "Are there any more stories you can tell?" Variable["village.idiot_gave_third_alcohol"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false
  • 61
84 Idiot Doom Spiral "Cotton mouth is keeping my tongue imprisoned." He shrugs his shoulders dramatically.
  • 74
85 Idiot Doom Spiral "So, have you got anything for good old Idiot Doom Spiral? A bottle for a story. Seems fair to me."
  • 54
86 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 87
  • 88
87 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_second_alcohol"]
  • 89
88 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_second_alcohol"]) == false
  • 90
89 Idiot Doom Spiral "If you find any, I'd be extremely grateful."
  • 74
90 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 91
  • 92
91 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_one_alcohol"]
  • 84
92 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_one_alcohol"]) == false
  • 73
93 None
  • 54
94 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 95
  • 96
95 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_one_alcohol"]
  • 60
96 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_one_alcohol"]) == false
  • 273
97 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 98
  • 99
98 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_second_alcohol"]
  • 651
99 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_second_alcohol"]) == false
  • 94
100 None
  • 54
101 You "Hey, sorry for being a buzzkill earlier. I'll supply the booze if you'll supply the stories." Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == true
  • 102
102 Idiot Doom Spiral "Wonderful!" He claps his hands together.
  • 103
103 None
  • 54
104 None
  • 60
105 None
  • 273
106 Idiot Doom Spiral "Maybe you've heard? I used to be a very successful businessman. I've signed more than a few lease forms or whatever the fuck they were." He looks around. "Anyone got a pen? The pro's gonna do it."
  • 889
  • 107
  • 108
107 You "Yes, I have this green ape one." (Lend him your pen.) CheckItem("kind_green_ape_pen")
  • 1014
108 You "No, unfortunately."
  • 952
109 Idiot Doom Spiral "Alright!" He grabs the pen and paper from your hands and, very carefully, scribbles on the dotted line, next to 'Lilienne Carter': 'Idiot Doom Spiral'.
  • 1000
110 You "Uh, can I have the pen back too?" Variable["village.idiot_gave_pen_away_too"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_pen_return_refused"] == false
  • 890
111 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't know if I've mentioned it, but I used to be a businessman and *as* a businessman I am going to keep the pen for my trouble." He nods confidently.
  • 951
112 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 113
  • 114
113 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 115
114 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 111
115 Rosemary "Fuckin' cops, man, always hasslin' the poor folk." He shakes his head. "You know what? I'm keepin' the pen and that's the end of it."
  • 951
116 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 117
  • 118
117 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]
  • 1341
118 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["TASK.report_to_the_tribunal_done"]) == false
  • 148
119 Idiot Doom Spiral "Man, you're like, bleeding now. Reality's really messed you up."
  • 3
120 You "What is a... Tequila Sunset? You keep saying it." Variable["tc.tequila_sunset"] == false and Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == false and Variable["coast.idiot_reality_responsibility"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_left_before_tequila_story"] == false
  • 121
121 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's you. You're Tequila Sunset."
  • 159
122 You "Tequila Sunset? That's my *nom de guerre*!" Variable["tc.tequila_sunset"] == true and Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == false and Variable["coast.idiot_reality_responsibility"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_left_before_tequila_story"] == false
  • 158
123 You Don't shake his hand.
  • 124
124 Idiot Doom Spiral "So what's happening?" He picks up his beer.
  • 126
125 You Shake his hand.
  • 124
126 None
  • 127
  • 131
  • 128
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  • 134
  • 135
  • 139
  • 144
127 You "Wait, Tequila?" Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == false
  • 130
128 You "Reality? It makes me aggressively sad." Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 147
129 You "Don't know. People tell me I'm a cop, I'm getting used to that." Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 149
130 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, Tequila Sunset!" He takes a sip, "How are the, uhm, high-concept, reality-based adventures proceeding?"
  • 1088
131 You "Not too hot. I'm on a 50-year losing streak." Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 146
132 Idiot Doom Spiral "Sadly, things aren't going that well in Idiot Doom Spiral Land. Haven't found those keys yet; haven't won that great piece of ass back. No word from my business-buddies..." He takes a sip from his beer.
  • 1094
133 Idiot Doom Spiral "Things aren't going super well for Idiot Doom Spiral either. Haven't found those keys yet; haven't won that great piece of ass back. No word from my business-buddies..." He takes a sip from his beer.
  • 1094
134 You "I have re-entered reality to conquer it. To bend it to my will. I am the law." Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 150
135 You "Reality? It's perishing. Soon only glowing embers will remain of the atoms; of human faces, only echoes." IsTHCPresent("apocalypse_cop") and Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 136
136 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 137
  • 138
137 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 151
138 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 152
139 You "Nothing special. Like everyone else. I have all sorts of wild thoughts running through my head, but then pick the most boring one." IsTHCPresent("boring_cop") and Variable["village.idiot_greeting_about_reality"] == true
  • 133
140 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 141
  • 142
141 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_greeting_sad"]
  • 133
142 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_greeting_sad"]) == false
  • 132
143 Idiot Doom Spiral "Good to see you! How's business? How's the whole *reality situation* treating you?"
  • 125
  • 123
144 You "Well, nice meeting you but I've got to go." [Leave.]
145 None
  • 126
146 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's harsh. I'm like three or maybe four years into mine. Wait no, make it five." He looks at his shit-stained Lickra(TM) with a grim expression.
  • 140
147 Idiot Doom Spiral "I know what you mean. Sitting around with these bums you really get to know the nitty-gritty of *reality*. And it isn't good." He looks at his buddies with mock appreciation.
  • 140
148 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila Sunset." He nods in appreciation.
  • 3
149 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's good to hear that you're on top of things. Talking about used to -- did you know that I *used* to be a real mover and shaker?" He thoughtfully picks at his shit-stained Lickra(TM) jacket.
  • 140
150 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's the spirit! I used to shape reality into my image. A long time ago. Those days are over now." He looks at his shit-stained Lickra(TM) jacket with a grim expression.
  • 140
151 Kim Kitsuragi "Not this again. I was hoping that we were done with it."
  • 152
152 Idiot Doom Spiral "Only echoes remaining of human faces? That's a pretty good apocalypse. I wouldn't mind if it came down to that." He nods appreciatively and picks at his shit-stained Lickra(TM) jacket.
  • 140
153 You "Did I say anything about my colleagues?"
  • 228
154 You "Did we talk about, uhm, politics?"
  • 396
155 You "Did you get a read on what kind of cop I was?"
  • 409
156 You "Did I mention losing anything else?"
  • 244
157 You "Did I tell you anything specific about this person that 'fucked me'?"
  • 242
158 Idiot Doom Spiral "It definitely is."
  • 160
159 You "How do you know this?"
  • 167
160 You "Do you know me?"
  • 161
161 Idiot Doom Spiral "Oh, do I? Of course. Don't you remember?"
  • 162
162 Encyclopedia Nope, you sure don't.
  • 163
  • 164
163 You "No."
  • 1007
164 You "Maybe?"
  • 1002
165 Idiot Doom Spiral "Aha!" He takes a sip from his beer. "Do you want to know how Tequila Sunset came to be?"
  • 960
166 Idiot Doom Spiral "Maybe?" He takes a sip from his beer. "You look like you want to know how Tequila Sunset came to be. You look like you want to hear *the tale*."
  • 960
167 Idiot Doom Spiral "We've met before, don't you remember?"
  • 162
168 None
  • 374
  • 169
  • 170
169 You "Go ahead."
  • 172
170 You "No, this sounds scary." (Back up.)
  • 376
171 None
  • 3
172 Idiot Doom Spiral "Mhm. Let me take a sip to moisten up my cords..." He takes a big sip, then begins: "Tequila Sunset rolled into Martinaise last Friday. And by *Tequila Sunset* I mean *you* -- the man, the myth."
  • 1030
173 You "Was I alone?"
  • 175
174 You "Wait, did we meet on Friday?"
  • 175
175 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, let's not jump ahead of ourselves, this is *your* story. Stop interrupting." He takes another sip -- then continues.
  • 176
176 Idiot Doom Spiral "You got here on Friday to solve a case, hoping to be the early bird who gets the worm. And by 'the worm' I mean 'the buzz', because as far as I know, all you did was get piss-drunk..."
  • 177
177 Idiot Doom Spiral "Word on the street is you went around the local hostel telling people that you're a police officer and that it would be *really* fucked up if you shot yourself in the head right in front of them. That's pretty high concept, if you ask me."
  • 1032
178 Electrochemistry Does that sound like something you'd do? Yeah, probably.
  • 181
179 You "What happened then?"
  • 186
180 You "Wait. This doesn't sound like me at all."
  • 185
181 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 182
  • 183
182 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 184
183 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 179
  • 180
184 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant's brow is furrowed. He's listening as casually as he can.
  • 179
  • 180
185 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, the *word on the street* may be a rumour, but what happened next is the truth. I was there to witness it, along with these bums here."
  • 197
186 Idiot Doom Spiral "It was a late Saturday night, when we, the Union of Moribund Alcoholics, were getting our drink on. Nothing remarkable about this, we get our drink on 24/7. Makes everything warm and glowy, I trust you know the feeling."
  • 1098
187 Idiot Doom Spiral "One moment we hear the sound of a motor carriage revving up somewhere on the plaza, followed by a series of dings and bangs."
  • 191
188 Idiot Doom Spiral "Naturally, loud noises pique the interest of anybody owning a pair of ears. That's just the reality we're in."
  • 189
  • 190
189 You "Naturally."
  • 200
190 You "Uhm.. I want to get off this story-train right now."
  • 196
191 Perception (Hearing) Do you remember the sound of wood cracking? The billboard...
  • 188
192 Kim Kitsuragi "I think that we should let him continue with the story."
  • 202
193 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 194
  • 195
194 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 192
195 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 201
196 Authority You can't get off now.
  • 198
197 Drama Lies, lies, lies! He only speaks liessss.
  • 186
198 Volition You have to stay.
  • 199
199 Inland Empire The throttle is jammed and the brakeman's nowhere to be seen! There's no getting off this ride!
  • 193
200 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, there was a brief silence -- a *gasp* of silence, if you will -- followed by a real commotion. We heard the carriage careening towards the coast at top speed."
  • 204
201 Idiot Doom Spiral "What train are you talking about?" he asks, taking a sip of beer.
  • 391
202 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's right! I let you finish all of your stories that night."
  • 200
203 You "No train at all. Please continue."
  • 200
204 Idiot Doom Spiral "Sounded like someone jumped the canal. We grabbed our brewskies and rushed to the jetty -- never underestimate the speed of an alcoholic..."
  • 209
205 Idiot Doom Spiral "What we saw was a sight to behold. A beat up police carriage, containing you. Right there on the beach. You revved the engine and screamed at the top of your lungs..."
  • 206
206 Idiot Doom Spiral "'THE TIME HATH COME.'"
  • 207
207 Idiot Doom Spiral "So, naturally, being the curious cat I am, I asked what time hath come, to which you replied..."
  • 208
208 Idiot Doom Spiral "THE TIME HATH COME FOR TEQUILA SUNSET. THE END OF ALL THINGS."
  • 213
  • 212
  • 438
209 Shivers Three men are standing on a wooden platform extending out from the shore of a dilapidated fishing village, their cheeks red, spirits high, beers in hand, eyes glazed over.
  • 205
210 Idiot Doom Spiral "After which your reality contracted -- you jammed the pedal, ploughed right off the jetty and through the ice."
  • 241
211 Idiot Doom Spiral "We ran towards the ice, whilst you crawled your way out, miraculously unhurt -- covered in seaweed and shit. Like some kind of sea monster."
  • 440
212 You Say nothing. It's more dignified that way.
  • 210
213 You "Oh god. What happened next?"
  • 214
214 Idiot Doom Spiral "Your reality contracted -- you jammed the pedal, ploughed right off the jetty and through the ice."
  • 241
215 Rhetoric In this way, you and your motor carriage have a lot in common.
  • 216
216 Idiot Doom Spiral "Recognizing a brother in need, we offered our condolences and invited you to party with us, which you naturally agreed to..."
  • 217
217 Electrochemistry What else was there to do? Thank you brothers, for your helping hand.
  • 218
218 Idiot Doom Spiral "We asked about the whole Tequila Sunset thing, and you told us it was your name now and insisted that we all call you that from then on."
  • 219
  • 229
  • 441
  • 443
219 You "Wait, so is Tequila Sunset an event or a name?"
  • 221
220 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm not sure. I think *you* were the event. Tequila Sunset. You know, as opposed to a Tequila Sunrise, which is *long gone*."
  • 229
  • 441
  • 443
221 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 222
  • 223
222 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTHCPresent("apocalypse_cop") and Variable["village.idiot_smash_looms"]
  • 224
223 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTHCPresent("apocalypse_cop") and Variable["village.idiot_smash_looms"]) == false
  • 220
224 Idiot Doom Spiral "I think you said that *you* were the event, and that you would smash the looms of reality. Yeah... I knew I'd heard that looms line before."
  • 229
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225 None
  • 157
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226 You "How long did we party for?"
  • 227
227 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hours. It was an all-night drink-a-thon. Then at some point -- I think it was Sunday morning -- you got belligerent and wanted to talk about *Revacholian women*."
  • 231
228 Idiot Doom Spiral "You told us that they were a bunch of fucking losers whose main interest was 'cramping your style'..."
  • 1104
229 You "Tequila Sunset, huh? Sounds pretty good." Variable["tc.tequila_sunset"] == false
  • 230
230 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, I agree." He smiles.
  • 226
231 Idiot Doom Spiral "How they're beautiful and also whores and so on. How one of them fucked you real bad. After a short while you crossed the event horizon, looked sullen, got up, and left without saying anything."
  • 233
232 Kim Kitsuragi "Wow. That's *quite* a story."
  • 236
233 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 234
  • 235
234 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 232
235 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 237
  • 238
236 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, I bet Tequila's a fucking *legend* around the precinct. You must be proud to work with him."
  • 621
237 You "Now *that's* a story."
  • 240
238 You "Are you sure it happened like that?"
  • 239
239 Idiot Doom Spiral "Trust me, Tequila. It happened. Just ask one of these other witnesses."
  • 616
240 Idiot Doom Spiral "It was the greatest thing this fishing village has seen since Rosemary tried to use a crab to open his beer."
  • 620
241 Interfacing The muscles in your right leg tense up.
  • 1033
242 Idiot Doom Spiral "You were pretty vague about it, but you kept saying you got fucked *real hard* and that we've all been fucked too..."
  • 289
243 Idiot Doom Spiral "It seemed pretty painful, to be honest with you. If I had to guess, I'd say you're still working through some shit."
  • 257
244 Idiot Doom Spiral "Beside your gun and your badge? You said something about your hope, or heart, or something. To be honest the details are a little hazy..."
  • 245
245 Idiot Doom Spiral "In retrospect, I guess you lost your motor carriage, too. That's a big one."
  • 257
246 Idiot Doom Spiral "No specifics, though. It was more about *you* that night. You were the star of the show."
  • 1035
247 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, you seemed really mad about immigrants for some reason..." He rubs the back of his neck.
  • 264
248 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, you said that it was okay that you crashed your carriage because the spectral hand of the market was guiding you..."
  • 263
249 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, you kept talking about how the *coal mine owners* were fucking us all over just like that woman fucked you..."
  • 258
250 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, you said that you'd really behaved unreasonably and failed to uphold your responsibilities as a representative of the Coalition."
  • 257
251 You "Did I say anything about the case?"
  • 252
252 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, you said it was 'no biggie' and that you'd solve it in no time." He takes a strong quaff of his beer. "And that you didn't need *anyone* to do it. You're doin' it *solo* now."
  • 253
253 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 254
  • 255
254 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 256
255 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 257
256 Kim Kitsuragi "A lot of cops go *solo* and *hermit* once they reach that level of alcoholism."
  • 1034
257 None
  • 225
258 Idiot Doom Spiral "I didn't agree with you, by the way. The spectral hand of the market makes sure everyone gets exactly what they deserve." He takes a long sip of beer.
  • 257
259 Idiot Doom Spiral "You kept calling yourself a 'goddamn superstar' who'd cleared '501 cases'..."
  • 881
260 Idiot Doom Spiral "You kept apologizing for being such a bad cop and for the damage you've inflicted on everyone around you..."
  • 266
261 Idiot Doom Spiral "You said being a cop was real boring and that there was no reason to talk about it." He shrugs.
  • 1036
262 Idiot Doom Spiral "You kept telling us that in your work you've seen a lot of blood but that it's nothing compared to the 'Great Bloodletting' to come..."
  • 267
263 Idiot Doom Spiral "This was before you started talking about how the pinkies were always trying to fuck you."
  • 257
264 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'd rather not get into the details. It was pretty low-concept."
  • 257
265 Idiot Doom Spiral "'No thanks to the squares at the precinct', as you put it."
  • 257
266 Idiot Doom Spiral "You also kept pausing to knock the heel of your hand against your temples, saying 'Stupid, stupid, stupid.'"
  • 257
267 Idiot Doom Spiral "I believe you mentioned something about the ground cracking open to swallow cities and dreams alike. Yeah... I remember that *simile* or whatever the fuck they are."
  • 257
268 You "You seem like you're characterized by your storytelling ability -- wanna tell me another one some time?" Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_told_about_his_alcohol_tales"] == false
  • 269
269 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whoop-dee-doo. So now I'm a fucking storyteller..." he says, slapping his knee. "Right. Why not? Better than a beach bum."
  • 271
  • 270
270 You "No, actually I've heard enough stories for a lifetime. They s-u-c-k. Goodbye." [Leave.]
  • 428
271 You "Yes -- wanna tell me how you became Idiot Doom Spiral?"
  • 272
272 Idiot Doom Spiral "It depends, really. Are you willing to help me out?"
  • 317
273 Rosemary Before he can start, one of the other bums interjects: "Hey, Spiral-Boy, you gonna share that?"
  • 274
274 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call Abigail!"
  • 275
275 Idiot Doom Spiral "Shut up, guys, I'm telling a story here." He turns to you. "Something happened to you. Something happened to me, too -- my actual name is George, but around here... you already know..."
  • 276
276 Idiot Doom Spiral "I was a once a reasonably high-net-worth individual. A founder slash junior partner at a high-concept creative services agency. When my story begins, I had just landed a major contract with an insurance firm..."
  • 277
  • 1105
277 You "Go on."
  • 278
278 Idiot Doom Spiral "I used the profits from my agency to finance what I called a 'cultural incubator' -- abstract value generation, value per person, high-concept stuff..."
  • 279
279 Idiot Doom Spiral "I developed the paradigm, worked within the paradigm. But the burden of leadership weighed heavily on me, so I went jogging every so often to keep myself sane."
  • 502
280 You "Did the jogging help?"
  • 282
281 You "Wait -- how many people did you have working for you?"
  • 284
282 Idiot Doom Spiral "It did. With my trusty Sansarique tracksuit I felt like I could conquer the world..."
  • 283
283 Idiot Doom Spiral "But now dreams are worn thin, much like my tracksuit," he says thoughtfully, brushing dust off his shit-stained pants.
  • 1041
284 Idiot Doom Spiral "Twenty-two full-time employees. An all-star team. A potentially historical set of individuals. Worrying about them often kept me up well into the morning hours."
  • 280
  • 509
285 Idiot Doom Spiral "One day I left on my evening run. As you may know, it's impossible to clear your head when you're distracted by the sound of keys jangling in your pockets." He shakes the bottle and makes a ringing sound.
  • 1044
286 Idiot Doom Spiral "So I removed the keyring and put the keys for the front gate and the apartment into different pockets, to stop the jangling, you see. At least that was the plan..."
  • 288
287 Perception (Sight) His eyes are clouded, his dilated blood vessels encircling his irises like stinging brambles.
  • 452
288 Idiot Doom Spiral "I was halfway done with my usual lap when it started to rain. The reality situation became very wet, very quickly."
  • 291
  • 292
289 Inland Empire Please, don't open that door.
  • 1102
290 Idiot Doom Spiral "I made my way back home and discovered that I didn't have the key to the front gate -- I'd mixed it up with the key to the letter box. Which was useless."
  • 293
291 You "How *wet* are we talking exactly?"
  • 453
292 You "Go on."
  • 290
293 Idiot Doom Spiral "Naturally, the situation required me to climb over the gate, which I did. There was no climbing down, because I slipped and landed on my ass."
  • 445
  • 446
  • 512
294 Idiot Doom Spiral "Reality was looking rather grim, just then -- me lying on my ass in a mud pit in the middle of a heavy shower. But when life knocked me down, I always got up..."
  • 295
295 Idiot Doom Spiral "So I made my way across the yard. Standing in front of my apartment door, fumbling with my pockets, I realized that I'd *also* forgotten my apartment key!"
  • 296
  • 298
296 You "You've got to be shitting me!"
  • 297
297 Idiot Doom Spiral "I wish I were, Tequila. I wish I were." He turns his head towards the skies. "Instead of my apartment key, I'd taken the key to the office."
  • 298
298 You "Okay, so what happened next?"
  • 299
299 Idiot Doom Spiral "I rang my neighbours' buzzers. It was late, and most of them didn't even answer. Those who did assumed I was trying to sell them something and hung up before I could even explain the situation..."
  • 300
300 Idiot Doom Spiral "People are naturally wary of ad men, you see. One moment someone chats you up, five minutes later you've bought a box of edible lingerie and a strap-on. I don't begrudge them, especially since I was known to be one of the best..." He pauses meaningfully.
  • 301
301 Empathy Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
  • 302
302 Idiot Doom Spiral "Just then I experienced a moment of clarity: I still had the key to my office! I could wait out the storm there..."
  • 303
303 Idiot Doom Spiral "But when I reached my office I remembered that I'd asked one of my producers to change the locks that day -- and since I hired only the best, he'd already done it, and I couldn't get in..."
  • 304
304 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, long story short, life spiralled out of control. I haven't gotten into my apartment for years, and my girlfriend left me because she didn't want to date a homeless man. The company, well, you see where I'm going with this..."
  • 305
305 Perception (Sight) He pinches his thigh as if to check whether this reality is *the reality*.
  • 448
306 None
  • 451
  • 307
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  • 309
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  • 310
  • 449
307 You "I've only been a hobo cop for a few days now, but it doesn't seem so bad." IsTHCPresent("hobocop")
  • 308
308 Idiot Doom Spiral "The hobo lifestyle definitely has some perks -- not having to pay rent, first and foremost. Not being responsible for twenty other people is nice too."
  • 604
309 You "Look on the bright side -- you've got one hell of a story."
  • 312
310 You "There's this black point in the world, a hole. It's already claimed an entire commercial area, maybe you're another one of its victims?" Variable["church.soona_two_mm_hole_known"] == true and Variable["tc.doomed_commercial_area"]
  • 311
311 Idiot Doom Spiral "This would explain a lot -- I always believed it wasn't my fault that I ended up homeless on the beach with these two bums." He looks at his partners with a glint of sadness.
  • 1042
312 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah. Maybe I've exaggerated certain parts over the years. When you tell a story too often, it begins to take on a life of its own..."
  • 313
313 Idiot Doom Spiral "But what matters is that it's true to my subjective experience. Anyway, that was all the story one bottle gets you." He looks at it. "Almost empty this one..."
  • 611
314 You "I don't need to hear any more." (Conclude.)
  • 315
315 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's a hard thing for a man to confront his past." He nods. "That's why I avoid mine at all costs."
  • 316
316 None
  • 3
317 Electrochemistry The gleam in his eyes and the slouch in his posture is so incredibly familiar...
  • 318
318 Drama You might get scammed here.
  • 70
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  • 50
319 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 320
  • 321
320 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"]
  • 322
321 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["cargo.mrlb_wcheck_done"]) == false
  • 49
  • 50
322 Conceptualization So this is how being on the other side of the barrel feels.
  • 49
  • 50
323 Idiot Doom Spiral He clears his throat: "Summer of '44. Seventeen-year-old Gertrude Het is walking home from a late shift at the harbour. It's almost midnight. She stops for a cigarette near the canal..."
  • 460
324 You "Wait, I thought that the Headless FALN Rider rode a bull?" Variable["canal.toy_white_check"]
  • 340
325 Idiot Doom Spiral "Our heroine finds herself enjoying the peace and quiet the canal provides..." He looks up to the skies as if searching for peace himself...
  • 327
326 Idiot Doom Spiral "There are many variations on the basic story, and the details often conflict. What everyone agrees on is that nobody knows the exact nature or identity of... the phenomenon."
  • 458
327 Idiot Doom Spiral "What she doesn't know is that her peace is about to be shattered. From behind her comes the clattering of hooves. Startled, she turns around, and what does she see?"
  • 461
  • 328
  • 329
  • 463
328 You "I don't know, what?"
  • 330
329 You "A horse?"
  • 331
330 Idiot Doom Spiral "A headless man, wearing a FALN tracksuit, riding a horse. That's right. It's the *Headless FALN Rider*. "
  • 332
331 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, yes, but it's the man *on* the horse that's of interest here. A man..."
  • 1053
332 Idiot Doom Spiral "Rumoured to be searching for his legendary FALN cap that went missing when he lost his head."
  • 1055
333 Idiot Doom Spiral "... with no head on his shoulders! Wearing a FALN tracksuit. Searching for the legendary FALN cap that went missing -- when he lost his head."
  • 1055
334 You "That sounds pretty implausible to me."
  • 338
335 You "That's super spooky."
  • 336
336 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yes. According to legend, young Gertrude Het had to endure years of psychotherapy before she was able to look at a horse or tracksuit again... And she's one of the *lucky ones*." He takes a sip from his bottle.
  • 339
337 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, there are many versions of this story, the most peculiar of which has the Headless FALN Rider riding on the back of another headless man."
  • 334
  • 335
338 Idiot Doom Spiral "If I hadn't lost my keys that one time, I'd agree with you. But... life is a cruel mistress..." He takes a sip.
  • 339
339 Idiot Doom Spiral "Gertrude Het may have been the first to witness the *Headless FALN Rider*, but she wasn't the last, oh no..."
  • 465
340 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 341
  • 342
341 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 343
342 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 337
343 Kim Kitsuragi "I thought that he rode a headless pig?" The lieutenant says with a little smirk.
  • 337
344 None
  • 345
  • 633
  • 632
  • 352
345 You "Who was the Headless Rider before he died?"
  • 622
346 Idiot Doom Spiral "Some say he was an undercover cop who blew his cover and got beheaded by the vicious gang he had infiltrated -- Now he rides, searching for his lost FALN cap, plotting revenge."
  • 347
347 Esprit de Corps Oh, headless brother, where art thou?
  • 348
348 Idiot Doom Spiral "Others claim he was a professional jockey who veered off-course during a steeple chase, ended up in somebody's back yard, and got decapitated by an exceptionally taut clothes line..."
  • 349
349 Physical Instrument Even decapitation couldn't stop his commitment to the sport. Are *you* that committed?
  • 350
350 Idiot Doom Spiral "Personally, I think he was just some guy who hanged himself from a really tall tree and the fall was so violent that his head came clean off..."
  • 351
351 Idiot Doom Spiral "Coincidentally, at that exact moment, a horse happened to pass under him and his beheaded corpse mounted it, where it remains to this day... But then, no one really knows."
  • 353
352 You "Okay. Whatever became of the Headless FALN Rider?" (Conclude.) Variable["village.idiot_guessed_id_cop"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_guessed_id_athlete"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_guessed_id_suicidal"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_guessed_id_none"] == true
  • 355
353 Inland Empire For some reason this *does* strike you as the most plausible theory of them all.
  • 623
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354 None
  • 344
355 Idiot Doom Spiral "No one knows. Some say he stalks Martinaise to this day, and can be seen near the canal when the clock strikes midnight." He makes a spooky gesture with his free hand.
  • 356
356 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 357
  • 358
357 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 359
358 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 360
359 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant smirks. "He won't though, because it's just a stupid legend."
  • 360
360 Rosemary "Aye! I saw him one night when I were right shit faced!"
  • 361
361 None
  • 3
362 You "Have you got any more stories?" Variable["village.idiot_gave_one_alcohol"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_told_faln_story_already"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_asked_first_story_shut"] == false
  • 363
363 Idiot Doom Spiral "I do -- but as you can see my fuel tank is running quite low, if you catch my drift..." He spins the bottle in his hand. Not a single drop of liquid remains.
  • 93
364 You "Have you got any more urban myths?" Variable["village.idiot_gave_second_alcohol"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_told_skull_story_already"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_declined_to_give_alcohol"] == false and Variable["village.idiot_asked_second_story_shut"] == false
  • 365
365 Idiot Doom Spiral "I actually do have one... the strangest of them all. But I'll need to *fortify* myself before I can tell that one..."
  • 792
366 You "I got this special strike brew the Union uses." (Give it.) CheckItem("drug_alcohol_goracy_brew")
  • 372
367 You "I want to hear the story of your name again." Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 68
368 You "I'd like to listen to the tale of the Headless FALN Rider again." Variable["village.idiot_told_faln_story_already"]
  • 69
369 You "Can you tell me about the Cocaine Skull again?" Variable["village.idiot_told_skull_story_already"]
  • 373
370 Idiot Doom Spiral "Of course -- drink first, story later." He holds out his palm.
  • 371
371 None
  • 54
372 Idiot Doom Spiral "Interesting." He grabs the thermal cup and shakes it. "Ah, this is what they use to keep the working man going."
  • 97
373 Idiot Doom Spiral "Right... a story specific to Martinaise and its history." He takes a sip and gargles the drink to prepare.
  • 1086
374 You "For some reason the name Tequila fills me with foreboding. Maybe I *shouldn't* learn what it means." Variable["village.idiot_inland_bad_teq_sunset"] == true
  • 375
375 Idiot Doom Spiral "You think you feel bad *now*, wait till you've heard the story."
  • 1097
376 Idiot Doom Spiral "Suit yourself, Mr. Sunset." He shrugs.
  • 171
377 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 378
  • 379
378 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["reputation.suicide_cop"] >= 1
  • 380
379 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["reputation.suicide_cop"] >= 1) == false
  • 178
380 Electrochemistry Oh yeah, that's totally your style...
  • 381
381 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 382
  • 383
382 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 384
383 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 426
  • 387
  • 385
  • 386
384 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant's brow is furrowed. He's listening as casually as he can.
  • 387
  • 385
  • 386
385 You "Oh yeah, not the first time this comes up." (Cough awkwardly.)
  • 388
386 You "Yeah, sure, I did that thing. What of it?!"
  • 388
387 You "Please, continue."
  • 186
388 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey man, I'm not judging." He waves the bottle towards you. "This life's a valley of woes. Some of the highest-concept people in history have killed themselves -- *and* been drunks."
  • 389
389 Idiot Doom Spiral "Either way, it was a late Saturday night, when we, the Union of Moribund Alcoholics, got our drink on. Nothing remarkable about this, we get our drink on 24/7. Makes everything warm and glowy, I trust you know the feeling."
  • 1098
390 Authority There is no train. Just you and the cold light of truth.
  • 200
391 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 392
  • 393
392 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_auth_cant_get_off_now"]
  • 390
393 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_auth_cant_get_off_now"]) == false
  • 203
394 You "Okay, I changed my mind. Sing me the song of Tequila Sunset." Variable["village.idiot_left_before_tequila_story"] == true and Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == false
  • 395
395 None
  • 172
396 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 397
  • 398
397 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestPolitical("revacholian_nationhood")
  • 247
398 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestPolitical("revacholian_nationhood")) == false
  • 399
399 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 400
  • 401
400 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestPolitical("communist")
  • 249
401 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestPolitical("communist")) == false
  • 402
402 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 403
  • 404
403 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestPolitical("ultraliberal")
  • 248
404 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestPolitical("ultraliberal")) == false
  • 405
405 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 406
  • 407
406 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestPolitical("moralist")
  • 250
407 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestPolitical("moralist")) == false
  • 408
408 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, not really... you talked a lot about some sad churches and how everyone's just out to fuck you."
  • 257
409 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 410
  • 411
410 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestCopotype("superstar_cop")
  • 259
411 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestCopotype("superstar_cop")) == false
  • 412
412 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 413
  • 414
413 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestCopotype("sorry_cop")
  • 260
414 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestCopotype("sorry_cop")) == false
  • 415
415 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 416
  • 417
416 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestCopotype("apocalypse_cop")
  • 262
417 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestCopotype("apocalypse_cop")) == false
  • 418
418 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 419
  • 420
419 Idiot Doom Spiral IsHighestCopotype("boring_cop")
  • 261
420 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsHighestCopotype("boring_cop")) == false
  • 422
421 Idiot Doom Spiral "Nothing much, you didn't want to talk about it. You just kept mumbling inaudibly to yourself."
  • 257
422 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 423
  • 424
423 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTHCPresent("lawbringer")
  • 425
424 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTHCPresent("lawbringer")) == false
  • 421
425 Idiot Doom Spiral "Mostly you kept shouting 'I am The Law' and talking about how you were going to bring the law to all lawless places with your law jaw."
  • 257
426 You "What, like you've *never* threatened to paint the wall with your brains in front of some strangers?"
  • 388
427 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whuh...? Uh... geez," he stammers. "I told you I wasn't much of a storyteller. It's okay, I didn't want to tell them anyway."
428 Inland Empire ...is what you almost say, but the words choke in your throat. Do you really want to miss out on all this good stuff? Perhaps it's *significant*.
  • 429
429 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 430
  • 431
430 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_volition_blocks_losing_content"]
  • 435
  • 432
  • 433
431 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_volition_blocks_losing_content"]) == false
  • 427
432 You (Yes, say it. Say it!) "Stories *SUUCCKK*! I don't want to hear any of them. Ever!"
  • 427
433 You Oh, no. I wouldn't want that. Not at all.
  • 434
434 Inland Empire Exactly. So you know what to say.
  • 437
435 You Why not? What's in it for me anyway?
  • 436
436 Inland Empire There might be interesting details, fresh experiences, exciting rewards... you'd really ignore it all?
  • 432
  • 433
437 You "Yeah, you look like someone with a lot of cool stories. Wanna tell me how you even became Idiot Doom Spiral?"
  • 1087
438 You "Every word I said was true. Tequila Sunset will break the looms of reality."
  • 439
439 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah -- looms. Why not? Then you jammed the pedal and ploughed right off the jetty and through the ice."
  • 241
440 Idiot Doom Spiral "When we finally got there you were sitting on the beach, crying. You said that your badge and uniform were in the car. It was too late to get in there though, the carriage had sunk too deep."
  • 215
441 You "That's not my name. I'm Raphaël Ambrosius Costeau. That's what you should call me." Variable["tc.tequila_sunset"] == false and Variable["tc.raphael_ambrosius_costeau"] == true
  • 442
442 Idiot Doom Spiral "Nah, that name sucks. You're Tequila Sunset. Just embrace it, brother."
  • 226
443 You "My real name is Harry." Variable["tc.harry"] == true or Variable["tc.name_full_harrier"] == true
  • 444
444 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, that's just what your mother called you. Your real name is Tequila Sunset. Just embrace it, brother."
  • 226
445 You "Ouch!"
  • 447
446 You "I would've landed on my feet. I've got feline reflexes."
  • 511
447 Idiot Doom Spiral "Ouch, indeed. Reality was looking rather grim, just then -- me lying on my ass in a mud pit in the middle of a heavy shower. But when life knocked me down, I always got up..."
  • 295
448 Idiot Doom Spiral "So, now you've heard my tragic tale. What do you think? Like nothing you've ever heard, huh?" He takes a long swig of his drink.
  • 306
449 You "I literally can't believe it."
  • 595
450 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila, I've thought about this series of events for a long time. If there was anything else to it, I would have thought of it by now."
  • 606
451 You "Wait, is that it? I feel like there are some steps missing."
  • 450
452 Conceptualization His eyes are your eyes.
  • 286
453 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 454
  • 455
454 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["auto.is_raining"]
  • 456
455 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["auto.is_raining"]) == false
  • 457
456 Idiot Doom Spiral "It was a day not unlike this one here..." You both glance skyward.
  • 290
457 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Wet*, okay? It was raining really hard." There's a trace of derision in his voice.
  • 290
458 Rosemary "Are you telling the story of the Headless--"
  • 459
459 Idiot Doom Spiral "Shut the fuck up, Rosemary!"
  • 323
460 Shivers The streets are warmed by a southerly breeze. The lights of a passing motor carriage bloom and fade in the distance...
  • 864
461 You "The Headless FALN Rider?" Variable["canal.table_FALN_bull"] == true
  • 462
462 Idiot Doom Spiral "Excuse me, are you telling the story, now? No? You're not? Well then..." He scoffs.
  • 1054
463 You "The Giant of Koko Nur?" Variable["tc.cryptid_giant"] == true or Variable["whirling.lena_talked_about_giant_of_koko_nur"] == true
  • 464
464 Idiot Doom Spiral "What? No! I told you this is a *Martinaise* legend. It's a man..."
  • 1053
465 Rosemary "Tell 'em about the two feminists by the locks!"
  • 466
466 Idiot Doom Spiral "Fuck, Rosemary, they were dating -- no one said they were feminists. Everyone always misremembering this stuff..."
  • 467
467 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 468
  • 469
468 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 470
469 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 473
470 Kim Kitsuragi "Hmmm, this wouldn't be the Deponte-Delgado case, would it?"
  • 471
471 Idiot Doom Spiral "What? You know it?"
  • 472
472 Kim Kitsuragi "I've read the case file. But please, go on."
  • 473
473 Idiot Doom Spiral "Right. *Ahem*. Early autumn of '46. Ulla Deponte and Eva Delgado are fishing near the water lock long after the sun has set..."
  • 474
474 Idiot Doom Spiral "The wind picks up, a sky already dark now blackens. Water starts falling from above, the first cold rain of the season..."
  • 475
475 Shivers Two women stand on a small outcropping of rocks. One of them is wearing a purple raincoat. Thin lines reach out from the rods into the sea. Small droplets start appearing on the surface with increasing frequency.
  • 476
476 Idiot Doom Spiral "The women are caught in the downpour. They act quickly. Eva gathers the rods whilst Ulla turns around to reach for the tackle box..."
  • 481
477 Idiot Doom Spiral "When she sees something! Her shriek is so violent that the residents of the nearby apartment building believe lightning has struck..."
  • 479
478 Idiot Doom Spiral "Ulla makes a run for the shore, but Eva slips on a wet rock and disappears into the cold, cold canal with nary a sound..."
  • 480
479 Idiot Doom Spiral "But there is no lightning. Only a heavy downpour and the silhouette of the *Headless FALN Rider* looming on the horizon!"
  • 478
480 Idiot Doom Spiral The man falls ominously silent for a moment. "Her body is never recovered." He looks you straight in the eye.
  • 484
  • 482
481 Inland Empire Don't turn around, don't turn around!
  • 477
482 You "What happened to Ulla Deponte?"
  • 483
483 Idiot Doom Spiral "Word on the street is that she, you know..." He makes a finger pistol with his right hand and lifts it up to his chin.
  • 491
484 You "What did the case file say?" (Ask Kim.) IsKimHere()
  • 485
485 Kim Kitsuragi "Naturally, Ulla Deponte became the prime suspect in the disappearance of Eva Delgado. Deponte maintained that it was the so-called 'Headless FALN Rider' and that she ran, fearing for her life..." He adjusts his glasses.
  • 487
486 Kim Kitsuragi "No. She committed suicide before she could be taken into custody. They found her in the bathroom with a rifle, her face slowly peeling off the ceiling..."
  • 490
487 Kim Kitsuragi "During the investigation it became apparent that there was a love triangle, the third party being some small-time businessman -- I don't remember the exact details. The leading theory was that an argument broke out on the jetty and Deponte pushed Delgado into the canal, then cooked up this stupid cover story."
  • 488
488 You "Was she arrested?"
  • 486
489 Idiot Doom Spiral "Man, that's some grisly detail. Oh well, here's to another case closed!" He takes a hearty swig from his bottle.
  • 500
490 Kim Kitsuragi "Not a pretty scene."
  • 489
491 Idiot Doom Spiral "Gave herself facial deconstruction surgery. Real grisly stuff."
  • 495
492 Electrochemistry You got a smoke on you? If yeah, you should light up, help set the scene...
  • 325
493 You "Whoa."
  • 494
494 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whoa is right, my friend. Gertrude Het may have been the first to witness the *Headless FALN Rider*, but she wasn't the last, oh no..."
  • 465
495 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 496
  • 497
496 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 498
497 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 500
498 Kim Kitsuragi "That part at least more or less corresponds to the case file."
  • 499
499 Idiot Doom Spiral "See? Told you." The man takes a long, self-satisfied sip.
  • 500
500 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, that's the story of the *Headless FALN Rider*. Pretty crazy, huh?"
  • 344
501 Physical Instrument That's right. Getting a good run in's important to maintaining your physical *and* mental health.
  • 505
502 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 503
  • 504
503 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTHCPresent("coach_physical_instrument")
  • 501
504 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTHCPresent("coach_physical_instrument")) == false
  • 281
  • 280
505 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 506
  • 507
506 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_physint_run"]
  • 508
507 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_physint_run"]) == false
  • 281
  • 280
508 Physical Instrument Speaking of, when's the last time you did your laps, porkchop?
  • 281
  • 280
  • 509
509 You "I could probably use a good run myself."
  • 510
510 Idiot Doom Spiral "It helped, truly. With my trusty Sansarique Lickra(TM) tracksuit I felt like I could conquer the world..."
  • 283
511 Savoir Faire No, you don't.
  • 513
512 You (Say nothing.)
  • 294
513 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whatever. The point is, reality was looking rather grim, just then -- me lying on my ass in a mud pit in the middle of a heavy shower. But when life knocked me down, I always got up..."
  • 295
514 Logic If it sounds like it makes no sense, that's because it doesn't.
  • 594
515 You "Why do you keep losing all your stuff?" Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 516
516 Idiot Doom Spiral "Good fucking question, Tequila! If I knew the answer, you think I'd be hanging out on a beach in this formerly premium but now extremely dirty two-piece Lickra(TM) tracksuit?"
  • 517
517 Idiot Doom Spiral "I used to own my reality situation. My business buddies and I had our own creative services agency. I had a nice apartment, an even nicer piece of ass, but somehow it all got away from me..."
  • 908
518 Idiot Doom Spiral "Now I can't hang onto anything. Just last week I stole this nice new jacket, but then I lost it, too. The only things I haven't lost are these two drunks."
  • 1045
519 You "What was the name of your agency?"
  • 525
520 You "What's this about a lost jacket?" Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"] == false and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket"] == false
  • 549
521 You "What about the other drunks?"
  • 581
522 You "What's up with the tracksuit?"
  • 561
523 None
  • 519
  • 522
  • 521
  • 520
  • 524
524 You "Let me ask you something else." (Conclude.)
  • 572
525 Idiot Doom Spiral "My agency, man..." He takes a long, melancholic sip. "The Boom Boom Room. Our concept was combining high art with the lowest forms of marketing -- the colour red, breasts, and oil painting..."
  • 526
526 Idiot Doom Spiral "I convinced my partners to reinvest some of our profits in an even-more high-concept 'cultural incubator' called 'Thin Air'. The artists were happy, the clients were happy."
  • 527
527 Idiot Doom Spiral "I was financing a group of poets in East Revachol who were developing a new, universal poetic language... but then it all went to shit..." He looks toward the bay.
  • 528
528 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 529
  • 530
529 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTHCPresent("art_cop")
  • 531
530 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTHCPresent("art_cop")) == false
  • 514
531 Conceptualization Sounds intriguing. What say you, art cop?
  • 514
532 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's what's so cool about advertising -- It's kind of like art, except you can also get fucking *rich* doing it..."
  • 907
533 You "Mixing oil painting and breasts to make ads isn't high art, it's just cynical wankery."
  • 534
534 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, you know, sex sells. That's the first rule of advertising."
  • 535
  • 545
535 You "Maybe, but it's still tired."
  • 548
536 Idiot Doom Spiral "I *know*..." He takes a long, wistful sip of his pilsner. "It was fucking awesome. And now it's all gone."
  • 907
537 You "Man, mixing high and low, commodifying culture, that is extremely my shit."
  • 544
538 You "The female isn't yours to objectify, not in art nor anywhere else!" IsTHCPresent("radical_feminist_agenda") and IsTHCPresent("art_cop")
  • 539
539 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's rich coming from you, Tequila. You had some pretty wild views about women last weekend..."
  • 540
540 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 541
  • 542
541 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 543
542 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 547
543 Kim Kitsuragi "I don't know where he picked up these views, but wherever it was, he seems to be sincere about them."
  • 547
544 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yes, Tequila, yes!" He punches you on the shoulder. "That was what we were all *about*... now it's all gone, of course."
  • 907
545 You "Yeah, actually -- you're right. Let the market sort it out. No need for me to regulate this stuff."
  • 532
546 You "That's so high-concept I have no idea what it means."
  • 536
547 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, that's not the point. The point is that mixing art and sex can make you fucking *rich*.
  • 907
548 Idiot Doom Spiral "Maybe you're right, who knows? Maybe we were behind the curve? We were fucking *rich*, though, that much I know..."
  • 907
549 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila, it's a verifiable tragedy. It was practically brand new. Sure, it didn't really go with my Lickra(TM) threads, but it did itch a lot less..."
  • 550
550 Idiot Doom Spiral "Say, you're a detective, right?" He looks at you, bleary-eyed. "Maybe you can help ol' Doom Spiral out... solve the case of the missing jacket! What do you say, Tequila?"
  • 923
551 You "Wait. You're asking a police officer to help find a jacket you stole and then lost?"
  • 554
552 You "Okay, sure. Where'd you lose it?"
  • 555
553 You "I don't have time for this."
  • 557
554 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, exactly. You're here to serve, right?"
  • 552
  • 553
555 Idiot Doom Spiral "If I knew where I lost it don't you think I'd have it? I mean -- maybe I was up by the boardwalk? Or walking along the beach? Or checking out the abandoned fish market?"
  • 1050
556 Idiot Doom Spiral "Somewhere north of here, that's for sure. You could ask around, see if anyone's seen it."
  • 559
557 Idiot Doom Spiral "Man, I thought you said you were a cool cop."
  • 558
558 None
  • 523
559 None
  • 523
560 Idiot Doom Spiral "That might be the right idea. This here is one of the last of its kind. Should probably be in a museum, honestly." He takes another sip. "Can't get it anymore. It was too primo even for Graad."
  • 564
561 Idiot Doom Spiral "What? You never seen 100% Lickra(TM) before? Go on, feel that primo material." The man extends his arm...
  • 562
562 Half Light You really shouldn't touch it.
  • 563
  • 574
563 You "I'll just admire it from afar, thanks." Variable["village.idiot_interfacing_warned"] == true
  • 560
564 Encyclopedia By 'primo' he means 'possibly carcinogenic'. Lickra(TM) was a synthetic fabric developed by manufacturers in the middle '40s, notable mainly for the swishy sound it makes as the wearer passes by...
  • 566
565 Encyclopedia It's also known to become extremely itchy if not properly cared for.
  • 569
566 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 567
  • 568
567 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_encyclo_lickra"]
  • 565
568 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_encyclo_lickra"]) == false
  • 569
569 Rosemary "Wow, you're lucky. He never lets me feel it."
  • 570
570 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's because your paws are fucking filthy, Rosemary! We're right next to the bay, you could wash them anytime."
  • 571
571 None
  • 523
572 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm all ears, Tequila."
  • 593
573 Perception (Smell) And then there's the smell, but you don't even want to think about that.
  • 578
574 You Touch it.
  • 577
575 Interfacing Good god, it's nearly impossible to describe how dirty this texture is. It's like rubbing two jellyfish skins together. You feel about 15% less human for having touched it.
  • 576
576 Encyclopedia Randomized trials have also found Lickra(TM) to be associated with a number of exotic, highly malignant cancers. So you also have that to look forward to.
  • 573
577 Idiot Doom Spiral "Pretty nice, huh? This might be one of the last of its kind. Should probably be in a museum, honestly." He takes another sip.
  • 575
578 Rosemary "Wow, you're lucky. He never lets me feel it."
  • 579
579 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's because your paws are fucking filthy, Rosie! We're right next to the bay, you could wash them anytime."
  • 580
580 None
  • 523
581 Idiot Doom Spiral "My fellow members of the Union of Moribund Alcoholics? They're exactly what they look like."
  • 582
582 Rosemary "'Ey! Tequila! You wanna buy some speed?"
  • 583
583 Idiot Doom Spiral "Shut the fuck up, Rosemary! He's a cop, remember?"
  • 584
584 Rosemary "I thought he was a cool cop."
  • 586
585 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call Abigail!"
  • 591
586 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 587
  • 588
587 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 589
588 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 585
589 Don't Call Abigail A gurgling sound comes from the direction of the non-responsive man.
  • 590
590 Idiot Doom Spiral "And yeah, you're already acquainted with Abs." He points to the man in the pipe. "So yeah, that's basically us. We drink together."
  • 592
591 Idiot Doom Spiral "And this is Abs." He points to the man in the pipe. "So yeah, that's basically us. We drink together."
  • 592
592 None
  • 523
593 None
  • 3
594 None
  • 538
  • 533
  • 546
  • 537
  • 905
595 Idiot Doom Spiral "Me neither, Tequila. When I lost my keys, I lost more than access to my apartment -- I also lost my leverage over humanity. I wasn't a high-concept creative director anymore, I was just some homeless asshole with a premium Sansarique Lickra(TM) tracksuit."
  • 596
596 Idiot Doom Spiral "You can't imagine what that does to a man's confidence." He turns his eyes to the bottle. "Anyway, that was all the story one bottle gets you. Almost empty this one..."
  • 612
597 You "You do realize all of this is your own fault?"
  • 600
598 Idiot Doom Spiral "I don't remember you being such a dick before, Tequila..." He takes a slow, despondent sip from his bottle, then looks out across the bay toward the skyscrapers of La Delta.
  • 599
599 Idiot Doom Spiral "That doesn't mean you're wrong, though... Anyway, that was all the tale one bottle gets you." He turns his eyes to the bottle. "Almost empty this one..."
  • 613
600 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 601
  • 602
601 Idiot Doom Spiral IsNighttime()
  • 603
602 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsNighttime()) == false
  • 598
603 Idiot Doom Spiral "I don't remember you being such a dick before, Tequila..." He takes a slow, despondent sip from his bottle, then looks out across the bay toward the glittering lights of La Delta at night.
  • 599
604 Idiot Doom Spiral "But that charm wears off pretty quickly. Before you know it, you're wearing a shit-stained tracksuit and spending your days picking tare."
  • 613
605 Kim Kitsuragi "Why didn't you go to the authorities?"
  • 609
606 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 607
  • 608
607 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 605
608 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1084
609 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, at one point they came to me, but you know, I didn't have any ID on me -- so they tossed me in jail for two days..."
  • 610
610 Idiot Doom Spiral "I can't say it increased my faith in the RCM. No offence, gentlemen." He shakes his head.
  • 1085
611 Conceptualization Truly, he has the soul of an artist.
  • 613
612 None
  • 3
613 None
  • 3
614 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call Abigail! Don't call!"
  • 615
615 Idiot Doom Spiral "See?"
  • 225
616 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 617
  • 618
617 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 619
618 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 614
619 Rosemary "Aye, every word he says is true."
  • 615
620 Rosemary "Aye, that were a classic, too."
  • 225
621 Kim Kitsuragi "If you only knew."
  • 225
622 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, Tequila, that's part of the legend -- no one knows for sure. There are a couple of possibilities, though..."
  • 346
623 You "I've got a hunch that it was the undercover cop. I'd want revenge, too."
  • 629
624 You "I bet he was the jockey. He seems super committed to his sport."
  • 628
625 You "I've got to agree -- your theory sounds the most plausible."
  • 626
626 Idiot Doom Spiral "Isn't it? All the pieces fit together perfectly. That's how I know it's right..."
  • 631
627 Idiot Doom Spiral "Pffft," he spits. "Like you could do better, Tequila..."
  • 631
628 Idiot Doom Spiral "That explains the horse part, for sure. Don't know why he'd be wearing a tracksuit, though. Seems like a stretch, if you ask me..."
  • 631
629 Idiot Doom Spiral "That would explain the tracksuit, and his need for revenge. Not sure how the horse fits in, though. I dunno, I don't buy it..." He shrugs.
  • 631
630 You "None of those really sound plausible, to be honest."
  • 627
631 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, to each his own. You want to hear any other stories?"
  • 868
632 You "That's nothing. I've got an even *crazier* story."
  • 639
633 You "I've already seen some weird shit on this case. A headless jockey in a tracksuit fits right in."
  • 634
634 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 635
  • 636
635 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 637
636 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 638
637 Kim Kitsuragi "Hard to argue with that, I suppose."
  • 638
638 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's the reality situation for you. You think you got a handle on it, then *BLAM*! It throws some wild shit at you..." He takes a long swig, then smiles. "That's why it's critical to stay well hydrated."
  • 650
639 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah? Why don't you go eat shit, Tequila? There's no way you know a better one than that."
  • 641
  • 643
  • 644
  • 642
  • 648
640 Idiot Doom Spiral "Giants? That the best you got? Give me a break, Tequila."
  • 354
641 You "What about the Col Do Ma Ma Daqua? It's a magical self-replicating sound!" IsTHCPresent("col_do_ma_ma_daqua")
  • 647
642 You "There's the Kind Green Ape. It's very kind... and green." Variable["tc.cryptid_green_ape"]
  • 646
643 You "The Gnome of Geroma dissolves its victims with acid." Variable["tc.cryptid_gnome"]
  • 645
644 You "The Giant of Koko Nur is as big as a mountain." Variable["tc.cryptid_giant"] or Variable["whirling.lena_talked_about_giant_of_koko_nur"] == true
  • 640
645 Idiot Doom Spiral "Acid gnomes? Sounds like a stupid, low-concept band name."
  • 354
646 Idiot Doom Spiral "Do you always try to pick the lamest option possible? Come on, Tequila!"
  • 354
647 Idiot Doom Spiral "I have to admit, that's pretty high-concept. Still not as awesome as a headless rider in a FALN tracksuit, though."
  • 354
648 You "Yeah, actually -- you're right. Nothing comes to mind."
  • 649
649 Idiot Doom Spiral "Damn right it doesn't. So why don't you just shut up and leave it to the *master*?"
  • 354
650 None
  • 344
651 Idiot Doom Spiral "This last one is the most Martinaise story I've ever heard..." He takes an almost comically long swig. Thus fortified, he continues.
  • 652
652 Idiot Doom Spiral "I've never heard it mentioned outside of here... At first I thought it was a joke, to be honest. But I've been on the coast eight, nine months now and in that time I've seen at least three expeditions come through, searching for something."
  • 1056
653 You "Cryptids?" Variable["tc.cryptozoology"]
  • 657
654 You "Your lost keys?"
  • 658
655 You "A place to call home?"
  • 659
656 You "Okay, what kind of expeditions?"
  • 660
657 Idiot Doom Spiral "Magic animals? No man, this is *serious stuff*..."
  • 662
658 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, HEY. Fuck you, Tequila," he says, his voice level.
  • 662
659 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, Tequila. Most people already know where they live. It's guys like you and me that are the exceptions..."
  • 662
660 Idiot Doom Spiral "All kinds. I've seen archaeologists, gangsters, even a bunch of ad agency types. I'm telling you, Tequila -- this thing's got a *pull* on certain kinds of people."
  • 668
661 None
  • 653
  • 655
  • 654
  • 656
662 None
  • 661
663 You "Wait, what do you mean 'certain kinds of people'?"
  • 665
664 Idiot Doom Spiral "Some of those expeditions come back after a week or so, looking haggard and dejected. Others don't return at all..."
  • 666
665 Idiot Doom Spiral "You know, *obsessive* types. People with *predilections*..."
  • 782
666 Idiot Doom Spiral "The first time I saw one of these expeditions, I thought they were fucking with me. There was no way it could be true. It was just *too high-concept*, even for me..."
  • 669
667 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm not even sure I should be telling you this story, to be perfectly honest. You're in a fragile state, and it might be too much for you to handle."
  • 674
  • 675
668 Electrochemistry Wait, there's a tingling back here... the stirring of a faint sensation...
  • 663
  • 782
669 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 670
  • 671
670 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 672
671 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 740
672 Electrochemistry There's no way... it can't be... or *can* it?
  • 673
673 You Can't be what?
  • 1057
674 You "I can handle it."
  • 676
675 You "You're right, maybe it's not a good idea."
  • 676
676 Idiot Doom Spiral "Okay, fine, I'll tell you. But I'm warning you, it's pretty *out there*." His eyes narrow with mystery. "Our story begins at a legendary design studio, right here in Martinaise..."
  • 677
677 Idiot Doom Spiral "There was this designer, his exact name is lost to history, but in life he was a legend. Made it big in Oranje, where he did some real pioneering work on grotesque and sans-serif typography. A fucking genius, man..."
  • 678
678 Idiot Doom Spiral He takes a swig, wipes his mouth, then continues. "That is, if he even existed. Who knows? It's an urban legend, after all..."
  • 680
679 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anyway, sometime later he started his own personal studio here in Martinaise, and that's when he started working on some *really* wild stuff. I'm talking some glass-smooth, forward looking design language, the kind of thing that would totally overthrow the old regime, design-wise."
  • 685
680 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 681
  • 682
681 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 683
682 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 741
683 Electrochemistry He existed alright. You feel it deep within your basal ganglia. He was as real as you are...
  • 684
684 You What the fuck are you talking about?
  • 1058
685 Conceptualization A paradigm-shattering revolutionary!?
  • 686
686 Idiot Doom Spiral "But then, something turned. You see, it's widely known that *nose candy* and pioneer graphic design work go hand-in-hand..."
  • 688
  • 689
687 You "Makes sense. I, too, need a variety of substances to operate at a high level." SubstanceUsedMore("speed") or SubstanceUsedMore("pyrholidon")
  • 1059
688 You "Wait -- nose candy?"
  • 690
689 You "So what happened to him?"
  • 710
690 Idiot Doom Spiral "You know, Tequila." He taps the side of his nose twice. "*Nose* candy. The white railroad. *Party powder*!"
  • 697
691 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 692
  • 693
692 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 694
693 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 695
694 Electrochemistry HE'S TALKING ABOUT COCAINE.
  • 696
695 Electrochemistry HE'S TALKING ABOUT COCAINE, BABY.
  • 708
696 You "*Ohhh*, you mean *cocaine*."
  • 709
697 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 698
  • 699
698 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 700
699 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 691
700 Kim Kitsuragi "The kids on the street also call it 'snow day'..."
  • 703
701 Kim Kitsuragi "'Count C,' for its popularity among the aristocratic class of the prior century..."
  • 705
  • 691
702 Idiot Doom Spiral "'Sinus salt,' 'the white knight'...."
  • 701
703 Encyclopedia Or 'Irmalan Gold,' for the plateau on which most of the world's supply is grown and harvested, typically by slave labour...
  • 702
704 Encyclopedia Along with a number of more banal street names: Blow, of course, but also flake, powder, pearl. Really anything that's white will work.
  • 691
705 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 706
  • 707
706 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_encyclo_cocaine"]
  • 704
707 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_encyclo_cocaine"]) == false
  • 783
708 You "Are you referring to... *cocaine*?"
  • 709
709 Idiot Doom Spiral "Shit yeah, Tequila! You know *exactly* what I'm talking about." He gives you a comradely bump on the shoulder as a couple millilitres of booze slosh out of his bottle.
  • 687
  • 1083
710 Idiot Doom Spiral "You've got to understand... the work *this* guy was doing was *so* high-concept that regular amounts of cocaine just weren't cutting it. By the end they were bringing it in by the lorry load."
  • 711
711 Idiot Doom Spiral "Now, as you might imagine, snorting that much cocaine can't be healthy for a regular human, right?"
  • 712
712 Endurance Right.
  • 713
713 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 714
  • 715
714 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 716
715 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 717
716 Electrochemistry WRONG! Do it all the time.
  • 742
717 Electrochemistry WRONG. It's *super healthy*. Your brain tells you so, and when has your own brain ever lied to you?
  • 718
718 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, Tequila, pay attention! The story goes that one day he was balls-deep in work on what he thought would be his *pièce de résistance*: An advert so *minimal* it contained neither text nor images. Just... pure white..."
  • 719
719 Idiot Doom Spiral "Apparently the idea was *too* high-concept even for this genius. He dropped dead right at his desk before he could finish. His last words are recorded to have been: "It's as white as a blizzard... *of cocaine!*"
  • 720
  • 721
  • 722
720 You "What a loss for the world of design."
  • 784
721 You "What a stupid fucking idea."
  • 723
722 You (Say nothing.)
  • 723
723 Idiot Doom Spiral "But the story doesn't end there. Supposedly, when they performed the autopsy, the coroner discovered nearly a *quarter kilo of coke* jammed into his nasal cavity."
  • 724
724 Logic That's... almost certainly anatomically impossible.
  • 730
725 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 726
  • 727
726 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 729
727 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 728
728 Electrochemistry WRONG, NERD! Where there's a will, there's a way.
  • 733
729 Electrochemistry WRONG AGAIN, NERD. Where there's a will, there's a way.
  • 733
730 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 731
  • 732
731 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_logic_cocaine"]
  • 725
732 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_logic_cocaine"]) == false
  • 733
733 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's right. Two-hundred fifty grams of blow had *accumulated* in there over the years. We're talking high-grade Saramirizian pure, not that cut-rate shit your grandma does."
  • 734
734 Idiot Doom Spiral "There are those who believe that the designer was buried with this quarter-key of nose candy still lodged in his sinuses. *That's* what those expeditions are looking for..."
  • 737
735 Electrochemistry THE COCAINE SKULL.
  • 747
  • 785
736 Idiot Doom Spiral "*The Cocaine Skull*!"
  • 1061
  • 1071
737 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 738
  • 739
738 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 735
739 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 786
740 Electrochemistry Wait... There's no way... It can't be... or *can* it?
  • 667
741 Electrochemistry He existed alright. You feel it deep within your basal ganglia. He was as real as you are...
  • 679
742 You Uhh... all the time?
  • 1060
743 You "Okay, I'm convinced. Let's go find it!" (Undertake it!) Variable["village.idiot_skull_grave"] or Variable["village.idiot_cocaine_studio"] or Variable["village.idiot_expeditions_talked_about"]
  • 768
744 You "Surprisingly, I'm not interested in looking for the skull." Variable["village.idiot_skull_grave"] or Variable["village.idiot_cocaine_studio"] or Variable["village.idiot_expeditions_talked_about"]
  • 762
745 You "Rosemary, you said something about islets?"
  • 748
746 You "What have you learned from the other expeditions?"
  • 754
747 You "The Cocaine... Skull..."
  • 736
748 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't listen to him or his grandma. He's just making things up."
  • 749
749 Rosemary "No, my grandma told me -- I've heard other people say it too. That it's underwater. Or, no..." He thinks. "Maybe it was the storm sewers..."
  • 750
750 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 751
  • 752
751 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 753
752 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 759
753 Kim Kitsuragi "Or maybe it's in the *air*? Or in an ancient steppe pyramid off shore?"
  • 1082
754 Idiot Doom Spiral "They're pretty vague about it, in general. The gangsters like to claim they're looking for the grave of a friend... with picks and shovels..."
  • 757
755 Idiot Doom Spiral "The junkies, for some reason, are pretty upfront about it. They just say they're looking to snort some blow out of a dead man's nasal cavity."
  • 869
756 Idiot Doom Spiral "By now I'd say I know about as much about it as anyone on the coast."
  • 760
757 Idiot Doom Spiral "The archaeologists act all official about it, saying they're conducting 'serious research'. Honestly, I think they're not really scientists, just rich."
  • 755
758 None
  • 1069
  • 745
  • 746
  • 743
  • 744
759 None
  • 758
760 None
  • 758
761 None
  • 3
762 Idiot Doom Spiral "Good thing, because I don't think you can find it right now anyway."
  • 872
763 Idiot Doom Spiral "Your loss. Could've been an amazing, ridiculous adventure." He shrugs.
  • 764
764 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 765
  • 766
765 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 767
766 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 761
767 Kim Kitsuragi "That's alright. We've got plenty of adventures for one case."
  • 761
768 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on just a minute. Finding it right now is literally impossible."
  • 872
769 You "Why?"
  • 770
770 Idiot Doom Spiral "For one, the way is blocked... by that big lorry that says 'Delta Logistics Company' on the side. You'd *definitely* have to search the area behind that lorry too. Yet it is impassable."
  • 900
771 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's just not feasible within the economic and temporal frame of our current setup. Matter of fact, unless a bunch of money just falls out of the sky, we might *never* know what's up with that skull."
  • 773
772 Idiot Doom Spiral "And second, outfitting an expedition like that is expensive. It'd have to be a *big production* to do the Cocaine Skull justice. You need new gear, people who know what they're doing, all kinds of provisions..."
  • 771
773 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 774
  • 775
774 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 776
775 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 778
  • 781
776 Kim Kitsuragi "I have to agree. We barely have what we need to solve the case we've got now. We can't afford to run around chasing after quasi-mythical pieces of drug paraphernalia..."
  • 777
777 Kim Kitsuragi "Besides, it would look *extremely* bad for the RCM to be caught up in something that has the word *COCAINE* writ large on it. The PR is tricky on this."
  • 778
  • 781
778 You "Damn, that's too bad."
  • 875
779 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, well, that's the reality situation for you. Who knows, though? Maybe someday we'll get our chance..."
  • 780
780 None
  • 3
781 You "Who cares? It was an idiotic idea anyway."
  • 878
782 You "What exactly are we talking about here?"
  • 664
783 Encyclopedia Along with a number of more banal street names: Blow, of course, but also flake, powder, pearl. Really anything that's white will get the idea across.
  • 691
784 Idiot Doom Spiral "I know, Tequila, I know..." He takes a swig, considers pouring some out for this lost genius, then thinks better of it.
  • 723
785 You "A skull filled with cocaine?"
  • 736
786 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 787
  • 788
787 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 789
788 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 785
789 Kim Kitsuragi "Oh, dear god," the lieutenant says, his palm rising to meet his face.
  • 736
790 Electrochemistry Honest men on an honest quest. You should join them.
  • 756
791 Electrochemistry WHAT?
  • 769
792 Idiot Doom Spiral "Do you have anything to fortify ol' Doom Spiral? Tell me you got some story juice."
  • 100
793 You "I changed my mind. I'll help you find your missing jacket." Variable["village.idiot_jacket_said_no"] == true and CheckItem("missing_jacket_filthy") == false and CheckItem("jacket_faln") == false and Variable["village.ww_washing_jacket"] == true and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"] == false and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket"] == false
  • 794
794 Idiot Doom Spiral "Excellent." He rubs his hands together. "When can you get started? The sooner I get that jacket back, the sooner I can get my life back together."
  • 798
  • 804
795 Idiot Doom Spiral "That said, I think maybe I was up by the boardwalk? Or walking along the beach? Or checking out the abandoned fish market?"
  • 797
796 Idiot Doom Spiral "If I knew where I lost it don't you think I'd have it? Come on, man!"
  • 795
797 Idiot Doom Spiral "Somewhere north of here, that's for sure. You could ask around, see if anyone's seen it."
  • 799
798 You "Any idea where you last had it?"
  • 796
799 None
  • 3
800 You "I found your jacket." (CheckItem("missing_jacket_filthy") or CheckItem("jacket_faln")) and (Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_jacket_said_no"] == true) and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"] == false and Variable["TASK.wash_dirty_jacket"] == false and Variable["TASK.wash_dirty_jacket_done"] == false
  • 817
801 Idiot Doom Spiral "Ah, Tequila, I *knew* you'd come through. That's fucking great, man!"
  • 843
802 Idiot Doom Spiral "Let me see. What? This isn't my jacket. My jacket was beautiful. This is fucking filthy! What am I supposed to do with this?"
  • 807
  • 808
  • 809
803 You (Give him the jacket.)
  • 802
804 You "I'll start right away."
  • 805
805 Idiot Doom Spiral "You're a god damn hero, Tequila!" He raises his bottle in salute, then takes a gigantic swig.
  • 806
806 None
  • 3
807 You "Look, I just stumbled upon *another* dead body. I don't care about the jacket." Variable["boardwalk.corpse_hub_reached"] == true
  • 810
808 You "What do you expect? You left it outside for a week!"
  • 810
809 You "I'm sorry. I found it like this."
  • 810
810 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm not taking a disgusting pile of hobo rags. I may be in an irrecoverably decaying orbit, but I've still got standards..."
  • 814
811 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 812
  • 813
812 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 815
813 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 840
814 Idiot Doom Spiral "Either bring it back the way it was before, or find a dumpster to burn it in." He hands it to you.
  • 811
815 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant inspects the jacket in your hands. "You know, despite the *guano* it looks like the jacket itself is stain-resistant. It may just need a good scrubbing."
  • 816
816 None
  • 3
817 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 818
  • 819
818 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.ww_jacket_washed"]
  • 820
819 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.ww_jacket_washed"]) == false
  • 801
820 Idiot Doom Spiral "My jacket?"
  • 832
821 You "Yeah, the one you had me clean the seagull shit off of."
  • 822
822 Idiot Doom Spiral A look of consternation crosses the man's face. He looks at you, then at his bottle, then back at you...
  • 823
823 Idiot Doom Spiral "What the fuck are you talking about, Tequila?"
  • 824
  • 825
824 You "What the fuck are *you* talking about?"
  • 827
825 You "So you're saying this *isn't* your jacket?"
  • 826
826 Idiot Doom Spiral "'FALN'? That's medium-concept stuff. Not my style at all... I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe you should lay off the booze -- It's fucking with your head."
  • 859
827 Idiot Doom Spiral "Rosemary, what the fuck is Tequila talking about?"
  • 828
828 Rosemary "Aye, that's the jacket you stole two weeks ago. From the kid who was making it with his gal on the beach."
  • 829
829 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's disgusting. I've never done anything like that in my life. You're both delusional." He scoffs. "'FALN'? That's medium-concept stuff."
  • 859
830 You "Your loss. I'm keeping the jacket for myself." (Keep it.)
  • 836
831 Idiot Doom Spiral "That shit is so medium-concept I wouldn't touch it with a stick. But yeah, okay, I'm sure it looks great on you."
  • 839
832 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 833
  • 834
833 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_dirty_jacket"]
  • 821
834 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_dirty_jacket"]) == false
  • 835
835 You "Yeah, it was pretty filthy, though, so I got it cleaned for you."
  • 822
836 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 837
  • 838
837 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 867
838 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 831
839 None
  • 3
840 Perception (Sight) Underneath the accumulated filth the jacket itself appears to be stain-resistant. Maybe it just needs a good scrubbing?
  • 816
841 Electrochemistry Wait! Maybe there's another way... maybe up around the coast? Don't give up now!
  • 779
842 Electrochemistry What are you talking about? Don't give up! Maybe there's another way... maybe up around the coast?
  • 763
843 None
  • 803
  • 847
844 You "I already found a filthy jacket near the boardwalk." CheckItem("missing_jacket_filthy")
  • 845
845 Idiot Doom Spiral "Holy shit! Tequila, how did you? Never mind -- I don't care, just let me see the jacket."
  • 846
846 None
  • 843
847 You "I found a little more than I bargained for." Variable["boardwalk.corpse_hub_reached"] == true
  • 848
848 Idiot Doom Spiral "What's that supposed to mean?"
  • 849
  • 850
849 You "Nothing." (Give him the jacket.)
  • 856
850 You "There was a dead body nearby."
  • 851
851 Idiot Doom Spiral "What's that got to do with my jacket?"
  • 852
  • 853
852 You "Probably nothing. Forget about it." (Give him the jacket.)
  • 857
853 You "It's a pretty freaky coincidence."
  • 854
854 Idiot Doom Spiral "What do I care about some local stiff? You gonna give me the jacket or no?"
  • 855
855 You "Fine, take the stupid thing." (Give him the jacket.)
  • 858
856 None
  • 802
857 None
  • 802
858 None
  • 802
859 Logic It becomes abundantly clear to you how this man managed to lose his keys, business, friends and girlfriend.
  • 1052
860 You "I went through a lot of trouble to get this for you. Take the fucking jacket." (Give it to him.)
  • 861
861 Idiot Doom Spiral "You know what? Fine. Maybe I can pawn it for some booze."
  • 862
862 Rosemary "Aye, good thinking."
  • 839
863 Shivers In the harbour's dark, her cigarette is a beacon, dancing alone. The image comes to you effortlessly, as though you'd walked the same streets yourself a thousand times.
  • 325
864 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 865
  • 866
865 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_shivers_faln_rider"]
  • 863
866 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_shivers_faln_rider"]) == false
  • 492
867 Idiot Doom Spiral "That shit is so medium-concept I wouldn't touch it with a stick. But yeah, okay, I'm sure it looks great on you."
  • 912
868 None
  • 344
869 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 870
  • 871
870 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 790
871 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 756
872 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 873
  • 874
873 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 791
874 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 769
875 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 876
  • 877
876 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 841
877 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 779
878 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 879
  • 880
879 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 842
880 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 763
881 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 882
  • 883
882 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["TASK.read_the_watermark_done"]
  • 885
883 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["TASK.read_the_watermark_done"]) == false
  • 265
884 Rhetoric As you've already determined, the actual number is just over 200 -- but what's a little embellishment between friends?
  • 265
885 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 886
  • 887
886 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["tc.solved_cases_216"]
  • 888
887 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["tc.solved_cases_216"]) == false
  • 884
888 Rhetoric As you've already determined, the actual number is 216 -- but what's a little embellishment between friends?
  • 265
889 You "I have this blue oblong pen." (Lend him your pen.) CheckItem("blue_oblong_pen")
  • 1014
890 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 891
  • 892
891 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"]
  • 893
892 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"]) == false
  • 112
893 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 894
  • 895
894 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 897
895 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 896
896 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't know if I've mentioned it, but I used to be a businessman and *as* a businessman I am going to keep the pen for my trouble." He nods confidently.
  • 951
897 Rosemary "Fuckin' cops, man, always hasslin' the poor folk." He shakes his head. "You know what? I'm keepin' the pen and that's the end of it."
  • 951
898 You "I've got this blue medicinal spirit, how about that?" CheckItem("blue_medicinal_spirit")
  • 899
899 Idiot Doom Spiral He raises his palm as if to shun you back to wherever you came from. "No-no-no, contrary to popular belief, I enjoy being alive."
  • 927
900 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 901
  • 902
901 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["jam.dlc_truck_shivers_orb_done"]
  • 903
902 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["jam.dlc_truck_shivers_orb_done"]) == false
  • 772
903 You "Oh, right, I've seen that!"
  • 904
904 Idiot Doom Spiral "Second, outfitting an expedition like that is expensive. It'd have to be a *big production* -- to do the Cocaine Skull justice. You need new gear, people who know what they're doing, all kinds of provisions..."
  • 771
905 You "Right, okay. Never mind that I asked."
  • 906
906 Idiot Doom Spiral He taps against his head. "Askin' is how you get ahead."
  • 907
907 None
  • 523
908 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 909
  • 910
909 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"]
  • 911
910 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"]) == false
  • 518
911 Idiot Doom Spiral "Now the only things I haven't lost are these two drunks."
  • 523
912 Kim Kitsuragi "It's an okay jacket." The lieutenant shrugs. "If you're into that look."
  • 839
913 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 914
  • 915
914 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_kim_witnessed_jacket"]
  • 916
915 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_kim_witnessed_jacket"]) == false
  • 921
916 Kim Kitsuragi "Okay, let's step aside for a second, I have something I want to talk about."
  • 921
917 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 918
  • 919
918 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["character.kim_talked_about_clothes"]
  • 921
919 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["character.kim_talked_about_clothes"]) == false
  • 913
920 None
921 None
  • 920
922 You “You mean *this* jacket that I discovered on the boardwalk and had cleaned on a whim?”
  • 926
923 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 924
  • 925
924 Idiot Doom Spiral CheckItem("jacket_faln")
  • 922
925 Idiot Doom Spiral (CheckItem("jacket_faln")) == false
  • 844
  • 551
  • 552
  • 553
926 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hmmm." The man examines the jacket for a moment, a look of consternation on his brow...
  • 933
927 None
  • 54
928 None
  • 3
929 Kim Kitsuragi "At least you got a nice jacket for your troubles." The lieutenant shrugs.
  • 928
930 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 931
  • 932
931 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 929
932 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 928
933 Idiot Doom Spiral "Nah, this isn't it. 'FALN'? That's medium-concept stuff. Totally not my style."
  • 934
  • 935
934 You "So you're saying there's *another* lost jacket out there somewhere?"
  • 937
935 You "C'mon, man, this *is* your jacket. You just don't remember it."
  • 936
936 Idiot Doom Spiral "No fucking way. Idiot Doom Spiral never forgets a piece of premium menswear..."
  • 939
937 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's a big world out there, Tequila. Lotta lost jackets in it. Don't know why you'd think this could possibly be mine..."
  • 939
938 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tell you what, Tequila: Why don't *you* just hang onto that one. I'll get another jacket, some day..."
  • 930
939 Rosemary "Ey, Doom Spiral! Ain't that the jacket you stole the other week?"
  • 940
940 Idiot Doom Spiral "Not on your fucking life, Rosemary! What's wrong with you people? Like I'd be caught dead wearing 'FALN' like some low-concept bicycle courier..."
  • 938
941 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 942
  • 943
942 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 944
943 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 945
944 Kim Kitsuragi "Thank you for your services, gentlemen." He turns to you. "Should we go and mail this? I think I saw a mailbox on the plaza."
  • 946
  • 947
945 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anything else this merry band of adventurers can do for you, or do you need to go and mail that serious looking document of yours?" His face lightens up. "I think I saw a mailbox near the plaza."
  • 946
  • 947
946 You "A few more questions first."
  • 948
947 You "Mailbox... plaza... got it!" [Leave.]
948 Idiot Doom Spiral "Okay, what's on your mind?"
  • 42
949 Don't Call Abigail The man mumbles incoherently.
  • 23
950 Interfacing Not exactly an expert forgery. Don't Call Abigail would have signed something more like *Domwtclall Abheqoeel*.
  • 32
951 Interfacing Nooooo! That was my favourite thing, of all the things you have.
  • 961
952 Rosemary "I got a freebie, when I purchased a whole carton of cigarettes." He produces a white pen with brown logos. "Smoke cigarettes, get a free pen. Deals don't come any sweeter."
  • 953
953 Perception (Sight) The writing under the tiny crown logo reads *Royal Extra*.
  • 1017
954 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 955
  • 956
955 Idiot Doom Spiral CheckItem("gun_ruby") or CheckItem("gun_villiers")
  • 957
956 Idiot Doom Spiral (CheckItem("gun_ruby") or CheckItem("gun_villiers")) == false
  • 958
957 Hand/Eye Coordination My favourite is the gun.
  • 959
958 Hand/Eye Coordination My favourite is the gun he lost.
  • 959
959 None
  • 32
960 Inland Empire Tequila... Tequila Sunset... Something ominous there.
  • 168
961 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 962
  • 963
962 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_interfacing_favorite"] == true
  • 954
963 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_interfacing_favorite"] == true) == false
  • 959
964 You "Okay, here's your jacket. Fresh washed!" CheckItem("jacket_faln") and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket"] == true and Variable["TASK.find_idiot_doom_spiral_jacket_done"] == false
  • 820
965 You "I don't have any on me right now." (Lie.) CheckItemGroup("alcohol") == true
  • 86
966 You "You've done a great service to the community, to the RCM and to Revachol."
  • 970
967 You "That's it then. The deed is done."
  • 972
968 You "Mailbox, plaza -- got it! Bye!" [Leave.]
969 Kim Kitsuragi "Thank you for your help." He turns to you. "Should we go and mail this? I think I saw a mailbox on the plaza."
  • 971
  • 968
970 Idiot Doom Spiral "Hey, guys -- I'm a hero!" He hands you the envelope, and waves his hand erratically at his companions.
  • 976
971 You "I wanna ask these guys a couple of things first."
  • 983
972 Idiot Doom Spiral "Glad to have been of assistance!" He gives you a thumbs up, and the envelope also. "After all this time, I feel like I've made a difference..."
  • 979
973 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 974
  • 975
974 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_interfacing_favorite"] == true
  • 987
975 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_interfacing_favorite"] == true) == false
  • 1001
976 Rosemary "Hell yes!" The red-nosed drunk brings his hand up to his head for a salute.
  • 979
977 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anything else this merry band of adventurers can do for you, or do you need to go and mail that serious looking document of yours?" His face lightens up. "There's a mailbox on the plaza."
  • 971
  • 968
978 Don't Call Abigail The incapacitated drunk lays there snoring like an ancient rusting tractor.
  • 993
979 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 980
  • 981
980 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]
  • 978
981 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.abigail_drunk_alt_greet"]) == false
  • 982
982 Don't Call Abigail "Don't call Abigail!" The drunk in the pipe snorts and takes a swig from his bottle. The bottle is empty.
  • 993
983 Idiot Doom Spiral "Okay, what's on your mind?"
  • 985
984 Hand/Eye Coordination My favourite was the gun he lost.
  • 1001
985 None
  • 3
986 Hand/Eye Coordination My favourite is the gun.
  • 1001
987 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 988
  • 989
988 Idiot Doom Spiral CheckItem("gun_ruby") or CheckItem("gun_villiers")
  • 986
989 Idiot Doom Spiral (CheckItem("gun_ruby") or CheckItem("gun_villiers")) == false
  • 984
990 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't know if I've mentioned it, but I used to be a businessman and *as* a businessman I am going to keep the pen for my trouble." He nods confidently.
  • 999
991 You "Uh, can I have the pen back too?" Variable["village.idiot_gave_pen_away_too"] == true or Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"] == true and Variable["village.idiot_pen_return_refused"] == false
  • 996
992 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't know if I've mentioned it, but I used to be a businessman and *as* a businessman I am going to keep the pen for my trouble." He nods confidently.
  • 999
993 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 994
  • 995
994 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 969
995 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 977
996 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 997
  • 998
997 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"]
  • 992
998 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_gave_blue_oblong_away"]) == false
  • 990
999 Interfacing Nooooo! That was my favourite thing, of all the things you have. This had better be worth losing the pen for.
  • 973
1000 None
  • 991
  • 966
  • 967
1001 None
  • 1000
1002 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1003
  • 1004
1003 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"]
  • 166
1004 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"]) == false
  • 1005
1005 Idiot Doom Spiral "I don't think you're ready for that *grade* of reality yet. It'd be ill-advised for me to tell you. You gotta go do the *intro* yourself -- come back when you've been to the motor carriage, Tequila." He sips his beer.
  • 1023
1006 None
  • 3
1007 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1008
  • 1009
1008 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"]
  • 165
1009 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"]) == false
  • 1005
1010 You "Idiot Doom Spiral... I am ready now. I've seen it. Tell me the story of Tequila Sunset." Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"] == true and Variable["coast.idiot_reality_responsibility"] == true and Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == false
  • 1029
1011 You "So, uh -- can you tell me the Tequila Sunset story now?" Variable["TASK.apprehend_reckless_driver_done"] == false and Variable["coast.idiot_reality_responsibility"] == true and Variable["coast.idiot_teq_story_end_reach"] == false
  • 1013
1012 None
  • 3
1013 Idiot Doom Spiral "Didn't I already say, I don't wanna be the one who breaks it to you? You have to get acquainted with *the event* first! It'd be irresponsible..." The man shakes his head. His gray eyes look into yours.
  • 1024
1014 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1015
  • 1016
1015 Idiot Doom Spiral CheckItem("white_envelope_lilienne_signed")
  • 109
1016 Idiot Doom Spiral (CheckItem("white_envelope_lilienne_signed")) == false
  • 1020
1017 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1018
  • 1019
1018 Idiot Doom Spiral CheckItem("white_envelope_lilienne_signed")
  • 1021
1019 Idiot Doom Spiral (CheckItem("white_envelope_lilienne_signed")) == false
  • 14
1020 Idiot Doom Spiral "Alright!" He grabs the pen and paper and carefully, scribbles on the dotted line -- next to Lilienne's signature -- 'Idiot Doom Spiral'.
  • 17
1021 Idiot Doom Spiral "Thanks, Rosie." He grabs the pen and paper and carefully, scribbles on the dotted line -- next to Lilienne's signature -- 'Idiot Doom Spiral'.
  • 1000
1022 None
  • 3
1023 Visual Calculus He points toward the waterline with his bottle.
  • 1006
1024 Half Light ...and also scary to tell you.
  • 1025
1025 Volition You need to face up to it. Go to the sea, inspect the machine.
  • 1012
1026 Don't Call Abigail "Please... please don't call... don't call..." begs the man in the pipe.
  • 1027
1027 Idiot Doom Spiral "Okay, we're drinking. We're drinking alcohol -- that's what we're doing. I *tried* to save the world once, a long time ago, with enterprise, creativity and willpower, but that didn't work out."
  • 1028
1028 Idiot Doom Spiral "So now it's a pirate's life for me."
  • 82
1029 Idiot Doom Spiral "Mhm. Let me take a sip to moisten up my chords..." He takes a big sip, then begins: "Tequila Sunset rolled into Martinaise last Friday. And by *Tequila Sunset* I mean *you* -- the man, the myth."
  • 1031
1030 None
  • 174
  • 173
1031 None
  • 1030
1032 Conceptualization It is.
  • 377
1033 Physical Instrument Your hands cramp on the steering levers.
  • 211
1034 Empathy It's not meant as a joke. He's sorry for the Hermit Cop.
  • 257
1035 None
  • 225
1036 Idiot Doom Spiral "You also kept pausing to knock the heel of your hand against your temples, saying 'Boring, boring, boring.'"
  • 257
1037 Rosemary "All kinds sir. Beer *and* wine."
  • 74
1038 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1039
  • 1040
1039 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_exited_once"]
  • 917
1040 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_exited_once"]) == false
  • 6
1041 You "What happened?"
  • 285
1042 Idiot Doom Spiral "God bless them, though. I'd be alone without them. Anyway, that was all the story one bottle gets you." He turns his eyes to the bottle. "Almost empty this one..."
  • 613
1043 You "I'm almost homeless myself. Doesn't seem so bad." IsTHCPresent("hobocop") == false
  • 308
1044 Half Light He's right. It's incredibly annoying.
  • 287
1045 Empathy You of all people should empathize with this. Perhaps this lost jacket is something you could help with...
  • 1047
1046 Reaction Speed A lost jacket? Sounds like a mystery you could look into...
  • 523
1047 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1048
  • 1049
1048 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_empathy_success"]
  • 523
1049 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_empathy_success"]) == false
  • 1046
1050 You "That's a lot of places."
  • 556
1051 Drama He really has no idea who this Ruby is, sire.
  • 1022
1052 Electrochemistry I'm calling it -- it's neurological.
  • 830
  • 860
1053 Drama ...the pause is long and dramatic...
  • 333
1054 Idiot Doom Spiral "It's the *Headless FALN Rider*. A headless man wearing a FALN tracksuit. Riding a horse. In search for the FALN cap that went missing -- when he lost his head."
  • 1055
1055 None
  • 324
  • 493
  • 334
  • 335
1056 Shivers A shovel hits the sand somewhere behind the reeds, near an abandoned construction yard. The young men look over their shoulders, suspiciously. The sound of their digging seems loud in the sudden silence.
  • 661
1057 Electrochemistry You know...
  • 667
1058 Electrochemistry I'm talking about...
  • 679
1059 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm not surprised. Many men find it hard reaching that final level of genius without blow."
  • 1083
1060 Electrochemistry All day, baby...
  • 718
1061 You "Wow."
  • 1062
1062 Idiot Doom Spiral "No," he corrects you: "WOW!!"
  • 1071
1063 Rosemary "And why wouldn't they, ey? Sounds like right strong stuff."
  • 759
1064 Idiot Doom Spiral "I'm pretty sure they all just want to snort it, though."
  • 1063
1065 Electrochemistry Bullshit. They just want to snort it. But you could beat them to it, Harry. *You* could snort the magic skull cocaine instead...
  • 1064
1066 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1067
  • 1068
1067 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]
  • 1065
1068 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_electro_cocaine"]) == false
  • 1064
1069 You "What do these expeditions plan to do with it?"
  • 1070
1070 Idiot Doom Spiral "The archaeologists say they want to put it in a museum. The gangsters say they want to sell it on the black market. And the ad agency guys say they're seeking inspiration..."
  • 1066
1071 You "And why do people think the skull is here, in Martinaise?"
  • 1072
1072 Idiot Doom Spiral "Here's the kicker -- this designer, this *lead designer* of a world famous design studio -- was *born* in Martinaise. A local boy. Martin Martinaise."
  • 1073
1073 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's why he brought his studio here -- back to where it all began. And that's why they buried him here too -- perhaps right under Abs' pipe there..." he points to the pipe.
  • 1074
1074 Idiot Doom Spiral "Or probably further down the coast? Or in some yard in Martinaise proper. A hidden mausoleum? No one knows exactly."
  • 1075
1075 Rosemary "No, my grandma' always told me his grave lays somewhere on the islets on the bay..."
  • 1076
1076 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1077
  • 1078
1077 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1079
1078 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1081
1079 Kim Kitsuragi "This is ludicrous." The lieutenant turns to you. "And physically impossible. Sinuses can't contain that amount of anything."
  • 1080
1080 Inland Empire Now, now detective... always the sceptic.
  • 1081
1081 Interfacing My only question is -- where does one get a *shovel*?
  • 758
1082 Inland Empire In a pyramid? Now that *would* be something...
  • 759
1083 None
  • 689
1084 None
  • 306
1085 None
  • 306
1086 None
  • 652
1087 None
  • 272
1088 Rhetoric He says it like it's obviously your name. Like you call someone Billy Brunuel or 'Leader of the Fourth Street Gang'.
  • 1089
1089 Inland Empire Good, these people know your *true* name. Looks like it has preceded you, Mr. Sunset. More on that later.
  • 1090
1090 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1091
  • 1092
1091 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] and CheckEquipped("neck_tie")
  • 1093
1092 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] and CheckEquipped("neck_tie")) == false
  • 145
1093 Horrific Necktie I like this guy. You should, too. He *respects* you by calling you your *true name*.
  • 145
1094 Suggestion This guy's your buddy-buddy. You feel it immediately: you belong to an organization. A fraternity. Of *drunks*.
  • 1095
1095 Conceptualization *Idiot Doom Spiral*, huh? This is bound to be a good, high-concept conversation. At last!
  • 1460
1096 Electrochemistry It's a touchy topic. He hasn't gotten laid in *ages*.
  • 1051
1097 Inland Empire No-no. You need the *wisdom*.
  • 169
  • 170
1098 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1099
  • 1100
1099 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] and CheckEquipped("neck_tie")
  • 1101
1100 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["whirling.necktie_personified"] and CheckEquipped("neck_tie")) == false
  • 187
1101 Horrific Necktie Oh yes, you do, *bratushka*. The only thing better than that is pushing the pedal to the metal after you kiss the tie. And off we go...
  • 187
1102 Rosemary "No one's fucked me. *I* do the fucking around here."
  • 1103
1103 Don't Call Abigail "Abigail..."
  • 243
1104 Empathy It's more like you were cramping theirs.
  • 246
1105 You "Wait, on the second thought -- I've heard enough." Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 1106
1106 Idiot Doom Spiral "So you *don't* want to just hear the same story again? Okay, okay. Huh." He looks taken aback.
  • 1107
1107 None
  • 3
1108 You "Do you know any Personal Brand Strategists? I need to start building my image." (Show him the certificate.) IsTaskActive("TASK.get_wealth_manager") and Variable["village.idiot_application_hub_reached"] == false and CheckItem("stock_certificate")
  • 1109
1109 Idiot Doom Spiral He scans the document and lets out a long, low whistle. "Things have really turned around for you, haven't they? You've got *big money* problems now." He looks back at you, eyes gleaming.
  • 1120
1110 Idiot Doom Spiral "What do you need to know?" He leans forward and takes another sip from his bottle, brows knitted together in mock seriousness.
  • 1112
1111 Volition What you truly want to know is -- can you really trust your entire fortune to a drunk who lost his house keys while out for a jog?
  • 1143
1112 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1113
  • 1114
1113 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 1111
1114 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]) == false
  • 1115
1115 Volition He doesn't exactly come across as responsible. Are you sure you can trust him with your *entire fortune*?
  • 1143
1116 You "Let's talk about improving my personal brand again..." IsTaskActive("TASK.get_wealth_manager") and Variable["village.idiot_application_hub_reached"]
  • 1117
1117 Idiot Doom Spiral "Right on." He swigs his beer. "Have you made your mind up?"
  • 1295
1118 You "So I checked out the horseback monument..." IsTaskActive("TASK.discuss_renovation_ids")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 1119
1119 Idiot Doom Spiral "No one does it better than me, eh?" He claps his hands in delight. "I was able to get it all together -- and *so fast* too. No wonder I used to be an industry leader..."
  • 1284
1120 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't be shy, Tequila. Of course I'll do it." He ploughs a thumb into his chest. "I'm your man."
  • 1121
  • 1122
  • 1123
1121 You "What do you mean you're 'my man'?"
  • 1128
1122 You "Sorry, I'm already taken." (Nod at Kim.) IsKimHere()
  • 1126
1123 You "No, you've misunderstood me -- I want you to *recommend* a Personal Brand Strategist, not become one."
  • 1124
1124 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila, Tequila... You don't know what you're missing out on. Those other guys? They'll just steal your money while providing meagre service."
  • 1125
1125 Idiot Doom Spiral "Now *me*, on the other hand? I only provide *very* high-concept ideas. And as I already understand *your* needs I can marry them with your brand easily. I'll help you make your mark."
  • 1131
1126 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant is about to say something, but gets cut off...
  • 1130
1127 Idiot Doom Spiral "But I've got something the others don't. I'm on *your* level. And as I already understand *your* needs I can marry my high-concept ideas with your brand easily. I'll help you make your mark."
  • 1131
1128 Idiot Doom Spiral "Your Personal Brand Strategist man. Now I know I'm not your 'typical' choice. I don't wear a suit, I'm not a hundred years old, I'm not about to die tomorrow..."
  • 1129
1129 Endurance Not so sure about the last part, with all that drinking...
  • 1127
1130 Idiot Doom Spiral "Listen, I'm not about to come between you two. I know my place, eh? I'll just be your Personal Brand Strategist man. Your high-concept idea generator. Yeah?"
  • 1131
1131 Savoir Faire *Great* can-do attitude! A billion reál mindset. Clinically *insane* energy! Hire him on the spot!!
  • 1132
  • 1133
1132 You "That's it, you're *hired*!"
  • 1134
1133 You "This voice in my head tells me to hire you, but I'm not so sure..."
  • 1134
1134 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, Tequila, no..." He sighs heavily. "I'm a *professional*, you see. I insist that you give me a formal interview. It wouldn't be fair on the other candidates if you didn't."
  • 1110
1135 None
  • 1136
  • 1137
  • 1138
  • 1139
  • 1195
  • 1202
  • 1142
1136 You "Relevant experience?"
  • 1145
1137 You "I have reservations about your... personal responsibility." Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 1177
1138 You "How does your drinking impact your work performance?"
  • 1191
1139 You "Alright, give me your best pitch."
  • 1178
1140 Idiot Doom Spiral "Sure, my man, let's circle back whenever you want." He hiccups. "Take your time. I'll be here."
  • 1141
1141 None
  • 3
1142 You "Let's come back to this later."
  • 1140
1143 Endurance Grill him a bit, see how he performs under pressure.
  • 1135
1144 You "Like what -- any examples?"
  • 1146
1145 Idiot Doom Spiral "I used to be a moderately-high-net-worth individual myself, if I can say so. I've *managed* big money before, played the game, hustled the movers of the marketing world..."
  • 1149
1146 Idiot Doom Spiral "Remember when Maria Kapaleva caused an uproar by walking the red carpet in those slippers -- the ones with the stick-on jiggly tits?"
  • 1154
1147 Idiot Doom Spiral "Numbers? How about fifteen fucking years of jamming *art* into people's heads? That's hundreds of high-concept ideas developed *and* executed for those fancy corp boys in their suits. The result?" He leans back, ready for his mic-drop...
  • 1172
1148 You "I need numbers -- years of service, P&L statements..."
  • 1147
1149 Perception (Sight) A subtle smile lights up his puffy face, like a ray of sun breaking through the stratosphere. He likes reminiscing.
  • 1150
1150 Idiot Doom Spiral "At the Boom Boom Room I directed a team of *talent architects*. People so high concept their names were nothing but a single letter. We had *manic* ideas, fuelled by copious amounts of coffee-flavoured whey powder. We did stuff no one had ever seen before -- or *since*!"
  • 1151
1151 Conceptualization We're going to need examples here -- just going by one of your initials doesn't cut it.
  • 1152
1152 Logic You're after measurable performance, not tales of happy memories. Numbers, please! How many years did he work, what profits did he earn?
  • 1144
  • 1148
1153 Idiot Doom Spiral "That was *me*. I did that." He looks up at the sky, victorious and content like an old cat. "We sold a lot of slippers that year..."
  • 1167
1154 Encyclopedia Yes, yes we *do* remember that...
  • 1155
1155 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1156
  • 1157
1156 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc"]
  • 1153
1157 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc"]) == false
  • 1158
1158 Encyclopedia No, we don't?
  • 1159
1159 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1160
  • 1161
1160 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc_nope"]
  • 1162
1161 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc_nope"]) == false
  • 1153
1162 Electrochemistry But why don't we remember that??!
  • 1164
1163 Composure It's because it's not *cool* or *stylish*. It's lame and *out* -- even Ms. Kapaleva couldn't pull it off.
  • 1153
1164 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1165
  • 1166
1165 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc_nope"]
  • 1163
1166 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc_nope"]) == false
  • 1153
1167 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1168
  • 1169
1168 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc"]
  • 1170
1169 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_ultralib_kapaleva_encyc"]) == false
  • 1206
1170 Encyclopedia Alright, here we go -- Ms. Kapaleva (née Olga Grebennikova) was once known as East Revachol's premier vedette and sex symbol. Her role in director Do Do Chakan's sexploitation motion picture 'Psychotronic Stripper' launched her into stardom. She's been voted Most Captivating Woman by La Fayette *three years* running.
  • 1171
1171 Electrochemistry Three years, you hear that? Three years... how hot did she have to be?!
  • 1206
1172 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Millions* of reál generated for clients. I've made my name in this world."
  • 1174
1173 Volition And then he lost it all by going for a jog... not exactly *inspiring*.
  • 1204
1174 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1175
  • 1176
1175 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]
  • 1173
1176 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_told_name_story_already"]) == false
  • 1204
1177 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila, Tequila... Whatever's going on in my reality situation doesn't have any bearings on yours. This is all about *you* and *your* future. Ask me about *that*."
  • 1207
1178 Idiot Doom Spiral "Okay, okay, let me get a sip first..." He manages to down half a bottle, then sits up straight, a hazy but oddly determined stare in his eyes. His finger shoots up.
  • 1179
1179 Idiot Doom Spiral "You see, net worth means *nothing* to the people of Martinaise. Nada. Null. For them to see your wealth, to really *respect* that, you need to convert it into something real, something *tangible*. The bigger the better." He peers into his bottle for inspiration.
  • 1181
  • 1182
  • 1183
  • 1184
  • 1340
1180 Idiot Doom Spiral "The horseback monument!" He snaps his fingers. "That's the centre of the district -- they'd *have* to pay attention to that. We could get your name up there in lights. Damn thing's due for a *re-conceptualization* anyway."
  • 1186
1181 You "What are you talking about? I'm the hottest shit in town. I'm as *real* as it gets."
  • 1180
1182 You "There's nothing more real than the *End of Everything*."
  • 1180
1183 You "Yeah, okay. Real like paying your bills or eating malt fibre in the morning."
  • 1180
1184 You "To never even *grasp* the idea of economic nonentities... I feel sorry for them."
  • 1180
1185 Kim Kitsuragi "You're aware that monument is *supposed* to look like it's exploding? It doesn't need renovating."
  • 1189
1186 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1187
  • 1188
1187 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1185
1188 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1190
1189 Idiot Doom Spiral "I didn't say renovating, I said *re-conceptualization*. It's medium-concept shit is what it is," he says, spitting out each word.
  • 1190
1190 Conceptualization Hmm... the level of conceptualization *could* always be higher, yes.
  • 1192
1191 Idiot Doom Spiral "Drinking is the fuel to my fire. Moistens me up to ensure the high concepts have a smooth landing." He tries taking another sip from the bottle, but misses and pours some of its contents inside his collar.
  • 1193
1192 Reaction Speed But what would it cost?
  • 1205
1193 Idiot Doom Spiral "Ah, shit..."
  • 1194
1194 Hand/Eye Coordination He could definitely work more on his Hand/Eye Coordination...
  • 1203
1195 You "How much is this going to cost me?" Variable["village.idiot_pitch_heard"]
  • 1200
1196 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1197
  • 1198
1197 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1199
1198 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1201
1199 Kim Kitsuragi "We really haven't got time for this," the lieutenant says, getting impatient. "In case you've forgotten, we're supposed to be investigating a murder."
  • 1201
1200 Idiot Doom Spiral "Nothing up front. That's 'cause I always put the client first. My cut'll come out of the back-end, *after* we've made you a sensation...."
  • 1196
1201 Idiot Doom Spiral "And forget about contractors and the like. This job I'm handling *personally*, concept and execution," he continues. "Any unexpected expenses we'll take care of later. Can't let price compromise the work. Easy."
  • 1208
1202 You "Okay, let's do it, you're hired!" (Accept his offer.) Variable["village.idiot_pitch_heard"]
  • 1209
1203 Empathy You should hire him and ask him to stop drinking. Everyone deserves a second (or third) chance.
  • 1207
1204 None
  • 1135
1205 None
  • 1135
1206 None
  • 1135
1207 None
  • 1135
1208 None
  • 1135
1209 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's it, I'm *BACK*!" He takes a celebratory swig -- a *big* one. Too big. The brown liquid cascades down his face and floods his nostrils. Once he's finished choking he spits on the ground.
  • 1210
1210 Idiot Doom Spiral "Sorry about that, my friend. This isn't about me, this is about *you*, of course. A chance for you to give back to the community. To get your brand out there. To teach them your *name*." He spreads his hands across the sky...
  • 1211
1211 Idiot Doom Spiral "I can already see it -- Tequila Sunset -- spelled out in cathode rays. Luminous against the evening sky. There won't be a single kid in this town who doesn't know who you are."
  • 1212
1212 Empathy This is a good moment to bring up his drinking... He'll get nothing done if he continues like that.
  • 1213
1213 None
  • 1214
  • 1219
1214 You "One more thing -- you're going to have to cut back on the booze."
  • 1215
1215 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whoa there!" The man looks taken aback, hands high in the air. Tiny droplets of beer flicker in his beard like miniscule pearls.
  • 1216
1216 Electrochemistry Yeah, whoa there! What is this, the fun police?!
  • 1218
1217 None
  • 3
1218 Idiot Doom Spiral "No need to worry about *that*," he says, his inebriated mouth twisting into odd shapes, "I've got it *all* under control. Besides, it helps with my creativity. Gets the business juices flowing, y'know?" He finishes it off with a wink.
  • 1273
  • 1274
  • 1275
  • 1280
1219 You "Good, when can you start work?"
  • 1220
1220 Idiot Doom Spiral "Give me half an hour, my friend. In fact," he raises his grubby finger again, "I demand you to *sit down here* and *not move* until I'm back. Open a beer, chat with your old pals..."
  • 1221
1221 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1222
  • 1223
1222 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1224
1223 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1235
1224 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant massages his temples and looks down at the ground.
  • 1226
1225 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you both running around like maniacs, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the sun."
  • 1470
1226 Esprit de Corps There is little time for this...
  • 1227
1227 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1228
  • 1229
1228 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["auto.is_raining"]
  • 1234
1229 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["auto.is_raining"]) == false
  • 1230
1230 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1231
  • 1232
1231 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["auto.is_snowing"]
  • 1233
1232 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["auto.is_snowing"]) == false
  • 1225
1233 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you both running around like maniacs, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the day."
  • 1468
1234 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you both running around like maniacs, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the day."
  • 1469
1235 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1236
  • 1237
1236 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["auto.is_raining"]
  • 1243
1237 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["auto.is_raining"]) == false
  • 1238
1238 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1239
  • 1240
1239 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["auto.is_snowing"]
  • 1242
1240 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["auto.is_snowing"]) == false
  • 1241
1241 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you running around like a maniac, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the sun."
  • 1467
1242 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you running around like a maniac, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the day."
  • 1468
1243 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Relax*. I see you running around like a maniac, just back and forth, back and forth. Gotta live a little, enjoy the day."
  • 1469
1244 None
  • 1245
  • 1246
1245 You "I don't think I have time to just sit and wait..."
  • 1247
1246 You "Sure, sounds like a much-needed break from all the work."
  • 1251
1247 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, Tequila, let me take care of it."
  • 1474
1248 Idiot Doom Spiral After what feels like ages, you hear the fence creaking as if under a large weight. Look at him. Just look at him.
  • 1464
1249 Rosemary You chat a bit with old Rosemary...
  • 1250
1250 Don't Call Abigail Then try to strike up a conversation with Don't Call Abigail about something other than Abigail (to no avail)... It's all about Abigail.
  • 1252
1251 Idiot Doom Spiral "Exactly! Just give me a minute or two..."
  • 1474
1252 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1253
  • 1254
1253 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1255
1254 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1248
1255 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant sits silent the entire time, preferring to focus on his notebook.
  • 1259
1256 You "Here he is -- the man of the hour!"
  • 1260
1257 You "All finished?"
  • 1260
1258 You "We've pissed off the lieutenant!" (Look at Kim.) IsKimHere()
  • 1260
1259 Esprit de Corps Clearly we have better things to do than sit down and chat with a bunch of drunks!
  • 1248
1260 Idiot Doom Spiral "I know, I know. Ran into some problems there -- material shortages and the like -- but don't worry, genius *thrives* under constraints!" He points at himself, proud and happy. "That's why you pay for the best..."
  • 1475
1261 Conceptualization What an athlete! There should be a new word for drunk moves like that -- like alco-lete or gin-nast!
  • 1262
1262 Hand/Eye Coordination He can't even walk straight. How did he write your name in cathode rays?
  • 1263
  • 1264
1263 You "You seem a bit drunk. You sure you're happy with your work?" Variable["village.idiot_drunker_than_before"]
  • 1270
1264 You "Good, good. Can I go and take a look at the monument now?"
  • 1272
1265 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1266
  • 1267
1266 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1268
1267 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1271
1268 Kim Kitsuragi The lieutenant closes his notebook and nods at you, ready to go.
  • 1271
1269 Idiot Doom Spiral "Just head on over to the horseback monument. You'll see. World's gonna *know* -- about you, me, and the shiny numbers in our bank account."
  • 1265
1270 Idiot Doom Spiral "Of course I am. When you're ready -- and I don't think you ever will be..." He pauses to pick up his bottle.
  • 1269
1271 Idiot Doom Spiral "But if there's anything else your old friend can do for you, let me know." He takes a mouthful of beer, swishing it around in his mouth like some kind of sommelier.
  • 1217
1272 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yes, whenever you're ready -- and I don't think you ever will be..." He pauses to pick up his bottle.
  • 1269
1273 You "If I can do it, so can you." Variable["character.habit_alcohol"] == false
  • 1276
1274 You "Well, I guess if it helps with your work..." Variable["character.habit_alcohol"] == false
  • 1283
1275 You "I know what you mean, I become a *superpower* when I'm drunk." Variable["character.habit_alcohol"] == true
  • 1281
1276 Idiot Doom Spiral "I don't think *I* can do it. Sorry." He stares at the bottle in his hand, then lets out a deep sigh...
  • 1278
1277 Idiot Doom Spiral "No, you're right. I've *got* to do this. I *need* this." He pushes a balled fist into a thigh. "Alright, you know what, Tequila, you old rat? I'll consider your request."
  • 1219
1278 Logic Some complex calculations are taking place in that intoxicated mind of his...
  • 1279
1279 Inland Empire Suddenly you feel sad, looking at this man and his bottle... somehow he looks *ancient*, these thoughts having chased him for years.
  • 1277
1280 You "No, you have to stop drinking. I insist." Variable["character.habit_alcohol"] == true
  • 1282
1281 Idiot Doom Spiral "Exactly! We're partners, you and I -- partners in drinking, partners in business..." He chugs in celebration.
  • 1219
1282 Idiot Doom Spiral "No can do. Sorry." He stares at the bottle in his hand, then lets out a deep sigh...
  • 1278
1283 Idiot Doom Spiral "Exactly! I just know I wouldn't be able to deliver the hot shit you're after without it." He has a quick swig from his bottle.
  • 1219
1284 Idiot Doom Spiral "Listen, I can feel it in my guts -- a bright future awaits you, the one and only *Tequila Sunset*! You're already building great brand equity. No doubt the profits will come rolling in shortly."
  • 1285
1285 Half Light This little weasel still isn't owning up to *ripping you off*!
  • 1286
  • 1287
  • 1288
1286 You "That's it? It's just a bunch of scaffolding!"
  • 1289
1287 You "It was extraordinary. Truly a feat of the century to get that scaffolding up so fast."
  • 1290
1288 You "Listen, I know you're trying to *rip me off*..." (Take a threatening step forward.) Variable["village.idiot_hl_he_ripped_you_off"]
  • 1291
1289 Idiot Doom Spiral "Of course not. Your trademark will be all over it as soon as the workers can get to it. The strike's holding them up. Not much I can do about that." He shrugs, then takes a swig from the bottle.
  • 1296
1290 Idiot Doom Spiral "Ya hear that, Rosie? I'm back -- *big time*." He reaches over to his buddy to clink the bottles, then turns back to you.
  • 1293
1291 Idiot Doom Spiral "Whoa! Rip you off? What is this, a radio novella on Channel 8? Friends don't let friends start ripping each other off! No, that's not how we operate here."
  • 1292
1292 Idiot Doom Spiral "Listen, I know it might look a little *lacking* right now, but you gotta trust the process. I've got it all under control. Once the strike is over, the workers will be all over the monument..."
  • 1297
1293 Idiot Doom Spiral "And that's only the start. Wait until the strike's over and the workers can finally deliver the product. I *guarantee* the papers will pick it up. You'll be the talk of the town -- -- investing into the community, creating value, giving back..."
  • 1294
1294 Empathy *Papers*? Maybe she'll read the papers and see your name... Maybe it will bring her back...
  • 1303
1295 None
  • 1135
1296 Idiot Doom Spiral "I *guarantee* the papers will pick it up once it's all finished, with photos and everything. You'll be the talk of the town -- investing into the community, creating value, giving back..."
  • 1294
1297 Idiot Doom Spiral "I *guarantee* the papers will pick it up, with photos and everything. You'll be the talk of the town -- investing into the community, creating value, giving back..."
  • 1294
1298 Reaction Speed Hey, your new Personal Brand Strategist still hasn't laid off the drink -- even though he promised.
  • 1312
1299 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1300
  • 1301
1300 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_manager_less_drink"]
  • 1298
1301 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_manager_less_drink"]) == false
  • 1312
1302 None
  • 1307
  • 1308
  • 1309
  • 1310
1303 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1304
  • 1305
1304 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_empathy_win_her_back"]
  • 1306
1305 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_empathy_win_her_back"]) == false
  • 1299
1306 Shivers A woman is sitting by the kitchen table, eating buttered toast and drinking herbal tea. She opens the Salzneben Report, a quarterly business magazine. There, in shiny tricolour print -- *him*, triumphant and victorious, like an apparition from the past...
  • 1299
1307 You "Weren't you going to drink less while on the job?" Variable["village.idiot_manager_less_drink"]
  • 1315
1308 You "I wonder what the newspapers might say..."
  • 1311
1309 You "Alright, I trust you to deliver the final final product." (Proceed with the quest.)
  • 1325
1310 You "I'm pulling the project. I don't have confidence it will ever get finished." [Cancel the entire task.]
  • 1324
1311 Idiot Doom Spiral "What would you like them to say?"
  • 1313
1312 Logic The strike might take forever... Maybe you should just cut your losses while you can.
  • 1302
1313 Suggestion Here's a man who knows how to play the media -- by starting with the right question.
  • 1327
  • 1326
  • 1328
  • 1329
  • 1330
1314 Idiot Doom Spiral "Very nice. You could be your own PR agent, Tequila." He nods.
  • 1321
1315 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1316
  • 1317
1316 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["character.habit_alcohol"]
  • 1318
1317 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["character.habit_alcohol"]) == false
  • 1320
1318 Idiot Doom Spiral "Tequila... you know it isn't that easy yourself. I promise you I'm *working on it*." He winks, his fingers tightening around the bottle.
  • 1319
1319 Volition He isn't 'working on it' -- he'll never stop drinking.
  • 1322
1320 Idiot Doom Spiral He sighs. "It isn't that easy... But I'm working on it. I really am. I even signed up for this evening group in Jamrock."
  • 1323
1321 None
  • 1302
1322 None
  • 1302
1323 Drama Sire, he's telling the truth.
  • 1322
1324 Idiot Doom Spiral "But Tequila..." He hangs his head in despair. "For what? I really tried to make it work this time -- for you, for me, for the triumph of *high-concept* ideas..."
  • 1331
1325 Idiot Doom Spiral "Don't spend a single brain cell worrying about it, just leave it all to me... the final outcome will be *spectacular*. Just takes a little time..."
  • 1338
1326 You "Nightclub owner reinvigorates youth culture, makes a fortune!" Variable["TASK.establish_church_dance_club_done"] == true
  • 1314
1327 You "Local bankruptcy curse lifted by stock market mogul!" Variable["TASK.doomed_investigation_done"] == true
  • 1314
1328 You "Philanthropist rescues local kid from violent father, town pays tribute!" Variable["TASK.optional_take_down_cunos_dad_done"] == true
  • 1314
1329 You "Local detective solves murder while making his fortune!"
  • 1334
1330 You "Wealthy businessman renovates local eyesore!"
  • 1314
1331 Idiot Doom Spiral "And I didn't even lose anything!" He stares into empty space, eyes like discarded bottle caps. "Okay, guess I'm back to where I was before. Square one. It's not like I haven't been here before."
  • 1332
1332 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anything else you want?" He takes an enormous swig from the bottle, swaying back and forth.
  • 1333
1333 None
  • 3
1334 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1335
  • 1336
1335 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1337
1336 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1314
1337 Kim Kitsuragi "But we *haven't* solved the murder yet," the lieutenant says. "We might have if you hadn't gotten distracted by this."
  • 1314
1338 Idiot Doom Spiral "Anything else?" He throws one leg over another, smug and content.
  • 1333
1339 You "You want my opinion on the re-conceptualization?" Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"] and Variable["village.idiot_manager_gave_verdict"] == false
  • 1363
1340 You "Yes, show them *real* art, then they'll be able to appreciate the majesty of my finances."
  • 1180
1341 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1342
  • 1343
1342 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTaskActive("TASK.check_back_on_renovation_later") or Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"]
  • 1345
1343 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTaskActive("TASK.check_back_on_renovation_later") or Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"]) == false
  • 119
1344 Idiot Doom Spiral "Here he is! The man, the reality, the *financial czar*." He presents you to the group as if on a stage. "You seen it yet?"
  • 1361
  • 1349
  • 1351
  • 1350
1345 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1346
  • 1347
1346 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_manager_gave_verdict"]
  • 1348
1347 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_manager_gave_verdict"]) == false
  • 1344
1348 Idiot Doom Spiral "What can I do for you, boss-man?"
  • 3
1349 You "The re-conceptualization? I had a quick look but I haven't really taken it in properly." Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reconceptualization_seen"] and Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"] == false
  • 1352
1350 You "Seen what?"
  • 1359
1351 You "The re-conceptualization? I've been busy with other things." Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"] == false
  • 1360
1352 Idiot Doom Spiral "Oh, I see what you're doing. Keeping us waiting for the verdict, drawing it out -- I like it. Really builds up the suspense." He looks to his drinking partner. "Forever the showman, this one."
  • 1354
1353 Composure He's covering up any nerves with the tried and true method -- excessive drinking.
  • 1358
1354 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1355
  • 1356
1355 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_manager_less_drink"]
  • 1357
1356 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_manager_less_drink"]) == false
  • 1353
1357 Composure He's struggling to cover up his nerves now that he's having *one* less beer a day.
  • 1358
1358 Idiot Doom Spiral "Well, no rush, but it'd be good to know what you make of it when you get a chance."
  • 3
1359 Idiot Doom Spiral "The re-conceptualization of the monument? Your new reality situation?" His words are stale with alcohol and utter disbelief.
  • 1361
  • 1349
  • 1351
1360 Idiot Doom Spiral "*Other* things? We're talking about your big moment here, your time to shine, your ascension into a household name."
  • 1354
1361 You "The re-conceptualization? Yeah, I've seen it." Variable["jam.horseback_monument_reflection_done"]
  • 1362
1362 Idiot Doom Spiral "Great!" He scans your face for any telltale signs of a verdict. "Great."
  • 1354
1363 Idiot Doom Spiral "Yeah, two secs." He slurps from his bottle then wipes droplets from his beard with a sleeve. Satisfied, his stomach sends a muted eruption to his throat, where it turns into a damp growl.
  • 1364
1364 Idiot Doom Spiral "Right, let's hear you then. I put a lot of work into that project, Tequila, a *lot of work*. Had to bring back my hustle game and call in some old partners to pull it off. So, c'mon, tell me what I want to hear."
  • 1365
1365 None
  • 1386
  • 1366
  • 1367
  • 1387
  • 1368
1366 You "It's good but the timing is unfortunate."
  • 1389
1367 You "It doesn't quite meet my expectations."
  • 1390
1368 You "It's gonna have to wait. I have important business to attend to first." (Put it off indefinitely.)
  • 1369
1369 Idiot Doom Spiral "What important business? I'm your *Personal Brand Strategist*, Tequila -- you're supposed to run all business matters by me. That's how this works."
  • 1371
  • 1370
1370 You "It's police business."
  • 1372
1371 You "This is different..."
  • 1384
1372 Idiot Doom Spiral "They finally caught up to you, have they?"
  • 1373
1373 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1374
  • 1375
1374 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1377
1375 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1376
1376 You "Something like that..."
  • 1378
1377 Kim Kitsuragi "Yes, they have," the lieutenant says, unamused.
  • 1378
1378 Idiot Doom Spiral "Alright, I understand. We'll do this some other time, when you can focus on yourself and not this *inconvenience*."
  • 1379
1379 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1380
  • 1381
1380 Idiot Doom Spiral IsKimHere()
  • 1383
1381 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsKimHere()) == false
  • 1382
1382 Esprit de Corps Painful images replay in the lieutenant's mind as he lies still in his sick bed: gun fumes, the flash of metal, and occasionally a clumsy stack of scaffolding...
  • 1385
1383 Kim Kitsuragi You hear the lieutenant suppress an almighty scoff.
  • 1385
1384 Idiot Doom Spiral "Different *how*? Business is business. Doesn't matter if it's small or large, I handle it for you now -- that's what you hired me to do."
  • 1370
1385 None
  • 3
1386 You (Applaud.) "I love it. Pure, naked brilliance."
  • 1388
1387 You "It's an all-round disaster. Just awful."
  • 1391
1388 Idiot Doom Spiral "You love it? Shit, Tequila, that's just made my day." His face lights up as his drinking buddy gives him a congratulatory pat on the back.
  • 1414
1389 Idiot Doom Spiral "What do you mean? The timing couldn't be *better*. The traffic through town will return now that the strike's over. Don't worry, I've *thought* about this."
  • 1415
1390 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's... disappointing. But, okay, I can work with that. I'm used to dealing with fussy clients and retrogressing from my highest concepts for them. Can't expect everyone to be on..." He points at himself with both thumbs. "...*this* level."
  • 1420
1391 Idiot Doom Spiral "You're kidding me? This is a joke?" He hangs a confused look off you. "You're being serious? Alright..." He takes a gulp of beer.
  • 1413
1392 Half Light He dares to sit there in disbelief when you confront him about his own *scam*!
  • 1417
1393 Volition Be *professional*. He probably doesn't even know what happened to you, why the strike is over...
  • 1403
1394 Savoir Faire It's bad PR and therefore bad for business. Tell him you don't want anything to do with it -- or him.
  • 1393
1395 Shivers Plastic bags heavy with tins and deformed vegetables swing from the fists of a young mother crossing a roundabout. Her mouth falls open as she looks up at the central structure. 'C'mere, Luc. Over here now, please,' she says to her curious toddler. The bags beat steady bruises into the mother's calves as she hurries him away.
  • 1396
1396 Idiot Doom Spiral "So where does this leave us? Do you still want me as your Personal Brand Strategist or what?"
  • 1431
  • 1432
1397 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1398
  • 1399
1398 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_hl_he_ripped_you_off"]
  • 1392
1399 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_hl_he_ripped_you_off"]) == false
  • 1417
1400 Conceptualization The utter *genius* of its design -- conveyed beautifully through his commitment to a singular aesthetic. He's gone above and beyond!
  • 1402
1401 Savoir Faire What more could you want? He got your brand out there while giving back to the community. He hit the brief perfectly.
  • 1400
1402 Endurance It's an image of you that will stand the test of time. People will remember this for an age.
  • 1404
1403 Drama It's like he knows *nothing* about you. Stinks of a man doing what's best for him, not his clientele.
  • 1397
1404 Rhetoric Picking the right praise to give is just as important as picking the right critique. People shape themselves according to any and all feedback they get.
  • 1416
1405 You "I've never seen marketing as inspired as that. It really is *high concept*!
  • 1422
1406 You "This is an event. It's *history* -- people will remember this."
  • 1423
1407 You "I'm amazed you were able to do it so well and for so cheap."
  • 1424
1408 You "It's exactly the brand image I want to present to the public."
  • 1421
1409 You "It's a load of shit! I knew you'd rip me off." Variable["village.idiot_hl_he_ripped_you_off"]
  • 1428
1410 You "I don't want anything to do with it. You have to take it down."
  • 1425
1411 You "Your timing is awful! People died over there, then you go and do *that*."
  • 1426
1412 You "That isn't the right image of me to present to the public."
  • 1427
1413 Idiot Doom Spiral "'Awful' is very strong, Tequila. You're gonna have to explain how I missed the mark by *so much* if that's the case. What don't you like about it?"
  • 1394
1414 Idiot Doom Spiral "Gimme more, gimme more. What do you like most about it?" He's giddy -- both from the drink and the anticipation.
  • 1401
1415 Idiot Doom Spiral "Let your Personal Brand Strategist handle the timing, alright? You just focus on telling me what you liked about my work up there."
  • 1401
1416 None
  • 1408
  • 1405
  • 1406
  • 1407
1417 None
  • 1410
  • 1411
  • 1412
  • 1409
1418 Idiot Doom Spiral "Bet you're glad you hired me as your Personal Brand Strategist now? So, what's next, boss?"
  • 1429
  • 1430
1419 Shivers The wooden clack of bilboquet comes to a halt before the central structure of a roundabout. Awe whistles through the air as the onlooker takes in every angle. Eager eyes fill nearby windows, brought to the glass by the sound of the toy, but now also taking in the sight of the striking new installation.
  • 1418
1420 Idiot Doom Spiral "Go on then, what exactly isn't doing it for you?" He wraps both hands around his bottle and leans forward, ready to listen.
  • 1394
1421 Idiot Doom Spiral "I knew it! That's what you get when you hire me -- customer satisfaction guaranteed. Woo!"
  • 1419
1422 Idiot Doom Spiral "Didn't I tell you?" He turns to his drinking buddy. "I told him, didn't I? Several times. This is what I *do*."
  • 1419
1423 Idiot Doom Spiral "Fuck yeah they will. Tequila Sunset is on the timeline. They'll be talking about you for years. The one and only."
  • 1419
1424 Idiot Doom Spiral "That's how I roll. Best results at a low cost. Isn't that what the business game is all about? Let me tell you -- it is! I'm its biggest and best player." He winks at you.
  • 1419
1425 Idiot Doom Spiral "Take it down? Is it really that bad?" He drags a hand down his face. "This is *fucking me up*, Tequila. I thought you'd love it -- honestly."
  • 1395
1426 Idiot Doom Spiral "What are you talking about? Who died? I think I would know if anyone had died over there. Would have heard *something* about it. There's no need to make up little stories, Tequila."
  • 1445
1427 Idiot Doom Spiral "It isn't? I thought that's what you were all about." He drags a hand down his face. "This is *fucking me up*, Tequila. I thought you'd love it -- honestly."
  • 1395
1428 Idiot Doom Spiral "What are you talking about? *Rip you off*? Stop with this bullshit. Just say you don't like it. There's no need to drag my name through the mud like this."
  • 1395
1429 You "Sure am! Not sure what's next yet but I know you'll nail it."
  • 1433
1430 You "Actually, I think you've done enough for me. I no longer need you."
  • 1434
1431 You "I do. I'm willing to give you another chance."
  • 1435
1432 You "Nope. I'm going to have to let you go."
  • 1436
1433 Idiot Doom Spiral "You bet your ass I will. Tequila Sunset is just getting started. No one's ready for the shit we're going to pull." He beats his chest a couple of times. "Feels good to be back."
  • 1442
1434 Idiot Doom Spiral "Good one, boss." He laughs weakly but stops when he realises you're being serious. "What -- really? That's it? You can't cut it short *now*. We're just getting started. At least give me an explanation."
  • 1452
  • 1450
1435 Idiot Doom Spiral "Phew! Alright, you had me going there. I thought that was it for me -- back to rock bottom I go!" He lets out a nervous laugh.
  • 1451
1436 Idiot Doom Spiral "Fuck..." He lets his head drop between his arms. "Well, that's that. At least I tried." A long and heavy breath out, a few sloppy sucks on his bottle.
  • 1457
1437 None
  • 3
1438 Idiot Doom Spiral "Thanks for sticking with me. I'll make sure I do better in the future." He exhales with huge relief. "Let me make it up to you. Anything I can do right now?"
  • 1439
1439 None
  • 3
1440 Idiot Doom Spiral "Thanks for the opportunity. Gutted that I fucked it up... but what have I really lost?" He tries to shrug into a more carefree existence.
  • 1466
1441 Idiot Doom Spiral "Fine. You know what? Fuck it. You'll be back, Tequila. You wanna go -- you go. This isn't the end. I'm taking you all the way to the top."
  • 1458
1442 Idiot Doom Spiral "Thanks for this, boss. Just what I needed. Is there anything else I can do for you right now?"
  • 1443
1443 None
  • 3
1444 None
  • 3
1445 Composure You wince as your injured leg throbs with fresh pain. The drunk doesn't notice.
  • 1447
1446 Drama Pretty sure you could dial up the melodrama to max and he still wouldn't figure it out.
  • 1395
1447 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1448
  • 1449
1448 Idiot Doom Spiral Variable["village.idiot_verdict_composure_throb"]
  • 1446
1449 Idiot Doom Spiral (Variable["village.idiot_verdict_composure_throb"]) == false
  • 1395
1450 You "The market moves fast and with extreme casualty."
  • 1441
1451 Savoir Faire He better not let you down again. Remember, this is *your* money and *your* reputation he's playing with.
  • 1438
1452 You "Calm down! I'm only yanking your leg. Of course I'm not firing you."
  • 1453
1453 Idiot Doom Spiral He freezes in his seat, motionless except his pupils, which quickly flick from side to side.
  • 1456
1454 None
  • 3
1455 Idiot Doom Spiral "Fucking hell, Tequila. Don't do that to me. I appreciate being kept on my toes, but *man*!" He shakes his head to straighten himself out.
  • 1465
1456 Volition Is he reading a book about his life so far to figure out which reality he's in?
  • 1455
1457 Pain Threshold He doesn't know whether to expunge or consume. What will pacify the wrenching feeling in his gut?
  • 1440
1458 Idiot Doom Spiral He cracks open a bottle and sucks the bitter foam welling at the top. "Do you want anything else or can I concentrate on my drinking?"
  • 1444
1459 Savoir Faire Business buddies, huh? This guy might be just what we're looking for. Ask him if he knows any Personal Brand Strategists who can help you out.
  • 3
1460 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1461
  • 1462
1461 Idiot Doom Spiral IsTaskActive("TASK.get_wealth_manager")--[[ Variable[ ]]
  • 1459
1462 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsTaskActive("TASK.get_wealth_manager")--[[ Variable[ ]]) == false
  • 3
1463 You "What are you doing?!"
  • 1260
1464 Idiot Doom Spiral It's Idiot Doom Spiral -- he's *back*. Like a beast made of jaundice and fetid polypropylene, he returns locked in stiff combat and with a most fearsome foe...
  • 1463
  • 1257
  • 1256
  • 1258
1465 Idiot Doom Spiral "Let's just move on. Anything else you want from me?"
  • 1454
1466 Idiot Doom Spiral "Do you want anything else? If not, I've got some serious drinking to do..."
  • 1437
1467 Idiot Doom Spiral He turns his swollen nose to face the sun, cheeks ruddy from the biting wind.
  • 1244
1468 Idiot Doom Spiral He turns his swollen face against the snow, droplets of beer freezing in his beard.
  • 1244
1469 Idiot Doom Spiral He turns his swollen face against the wind, freezing rain battering his cheeks.
  • 1244
1470 Idiot Doom Spiral
  • 1471
  • 1472
1471 Idiot Doom Spiral IsNight()
  • 1473
1472 Idiot Doom Spiral (IsNight()) == false
  • 1467
1473 Idiot Doom Spiral He turns his swollen nose to face the moon, cheeks ruddy from the biting wind.
  • 1244
1474 Idiot Doom Spiral Before you know it the man has put down the bottle, stood up, and left. Minutes pass; the clouds change shape up in the sky...
  • 1249
1475 Electrochemistry Hmm, he seems even more drunk than before...
  • 1261