// dlg.txt

begintalkscript;

variables;

short i;

begintalknode 1;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_sdf(165,1) == 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "At last, you get a good view of the Great Portal. It is in a natural depression to the southwest, ringed by a tall, thick wall of granite blocks.";
	text2 = "Inside the wall, you can see the portal, a constant, swirling maelstrom of energy.  A pillar of light rises up from the portal to the cavern ceiling far above.";
	text3 = "The portal gates are swarming with activity. Refugees swirl around the gates. Some of them are waiting to get in and use the portal. Others are trying to beg or force their way in, only to be pushed back by the guards.";
	text4 = "The oppressive heat and noise gets worse with every step you take toward the portal. You hope you aren't stationed here for too long. The raw power in the air here is maddening, if not outright dangerous.";
	action = SET_SDF 165 1 1;

begintalknode 2;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_sdf(165,2) == 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You are close to the portal gates. There are two of them. The west is for people and the east is for supplies. The portal sends Avernites to Upper Avernum on the surface. In return, food and needed supplies are sent down.";
	text2 = "When you get close, several refugees turn and size you up. They decide that you won't be useful in their quest to get to the portal, and they resume bothering the guards.";
	text3 = "As you look around, dazed, one of the guards shouts, _Hey._ Then he points to the passage to the east. _Transferred here, eh? Tough luck for you. Report down there._";
	action = SET_SDF 165 2 1;

begintalknode 3;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_sdf(165,3) == 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You descend a long stairway and enter a network of tunnels and storage chambers laboriously burrowed out under the portal. It's a huge relief to be down here. It's actually cooler, and the tons of rock do a lot to block the portal energy.";
	text2 = "You enter a dining hall, which is supplied by a truly generous (by Avernite standards) amount of food. Controlling the flow of precious rations into Avernum definitely has its advantages.";
	text3 = "When you enter, an old man stands up to greet you. You instantly recognize him. It's Sergeant Nichol, your former trainer and tormentor at the Food Depot. And now he's here.";
	action = SET_SDF 165 3 1;

begintalknode 4;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_sdf(165,4) == 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Once you step through the gate, the raw power of the portal blasts you. Most of it must have been reflected back by the tall stone walls. The refugees to the north complained about the portal's energy. They had no idea.";
	text2 = "As you try to regain your senses, you examine the layout. There is a strip of walkway running east to west in front of you. That is where the refugees are told to stand in line, waiting their turn to use the portal.";
	text3 = "The portal, a barely restrained tornado of energy, is pulsing and swirling on the stone mound to the south. Eight crystals surround it, feeding it with energy and holding it in balance.";
	text4 = "Sergeant Nichol stands at the base of the stairs leading up to the portal. He shouts, _You're here! Slow as always, I see. Get over here. I'll tell you what to do._";
	action = SET_SDF 165 4 1;

begintalknode 5;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = get_sdf(165,5) == 0 && gf(165,0) > 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You return to the basalt expanse leading down to the portal. Things are very different now. From this vantage point, you can see how terrifyingly bad things have gotten.";
	text2 = "The portal is still there, but it is no longer in balance. Now that one of the crystal pillars surrounding it is gone, the cloud of energy flails about, casting waves of energy in all directions.";
	text3 = "Things are coming out of it. Not people or supplies. Infernal creatures, drawn from beyond by the uncontrolled tear in reality. Imps constantly crawl out of the tumult. Waves of random energy incinerate most of them as they leave.";
	text4 = "But not all. They run out, shrieking, and scale the walls. Then they charge out into Avernum, where they are intercepted and killed by a ring of soldiers. They wait on the hill, rushing to slay anything that stumbles out of the portal.";
	text5 = "Until you looked down from this vantage point, you had no idea how desperate the situation was. The portal must be repaired, if for nothing else than to seal this hideous rip in reality.";
	action = SET_SDF 165 5 1;


begintalknode 10;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "The sign says:";
	text2 = "  TO GREAT PORTAL";
	text3 = "  Only merchants, soldiers, or holders of proper lottery tickets allowed!";
	text4 = "  All others keep back!";

begintalknode 11;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "The sign says:";
	text2 = "  IF TRAVELING TO SURFACE";
	text3 = "  1. Present proper lottery slip.";
	text4 = "  2. Wait for gate to open.";
	text5 = "  3. Queue up on strip of walkway.";
	text6 = "  4. Wait for instructions. FOLLOW THEM!";
	
begintalknode 12;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Several books are stacked on this pedestal. Huge, bulky, leather-bound tomes, full of magic formulae so arcane and esoteric that hardly any wizard in the world could understand them.";
	text2 = "You also find, tucked between two of the larger volumes, a slender journal. The writing and sketches within are recent, and look to be of the portal above. You take it.";
	code =
		if (gf(165,6) == 0) {
			sf(165,6,1);
			set_spec_item(11,1);
			}
			else rs(2);
	break;
	
begintalknode 13;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You try to talk to the refugees, but you don't have any luck. They're already exhausted and hungry, and the portal is stripping away what little sense remains to them.";
	text2 = "The best you can hope for is to maintain a safe distance and hope that they refrain from rioting.";

begintalknode 14;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "These guards are concentrating exclusively on keeping the mob away from the portal gates. They have no time to talk to you.";
	text3 = "These guards stand in place, watching the wall, ready to spit any imps that come crawling over it. There are other soldiers taking up position on the hill above you. These soldiers hope to soon go join them on higher ground.";
	text5 = "These guards stand at attention, ready to march forward and do battle with the demons. They are terrified, but resolute. Each one is a credit to the army of Avernum.";
	code =
		clear_strings();
		if (gf(165,0) == 0)
			as(1);
			else if (gf(165,0) == 3)
				as(5);
				else as(3);
				
	break;
	
begintalknode 15;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "There is a line of soldiers outside the portal keep, hunting for and slaying the dazed imps that come out.";
	text2 = "One of them says, _Better keep a safe distance from the portal. There's a lot worse lurking around there than imps!_";

begintalknode 16;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "The imp stumbles past you, dazed. It was too frail to pass through the portal without being altered somewhat. And perhaps permanently brain damaged.";
	text2 = "Of course, if it comes back to its senses, it could cause quite a lot of trouble if one of the soldiers doesn't kill it.";

begintalknode 17;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,9) == 0 && gf(165,8) == 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You get close enough to the gates to look through and see the portal. The seven remaining stones surrounding it seem intact. The portal itself is still there.";
	text2 = "It is an undulating, unstable blob of energy. Anyone trying to pass through it would probably be divided in several pieces. However, it doesn't seem to be fading or growing. The seven crystals hold the portal mostly in place.";
	text3 = "It is a lovely, shimmering shade of blue.";
	text4 = "As you turn away, hoping that this information is enough for Sage Hemress, you see several figures clambering down the stone pillars behind you.";
	text5 = "Some of the demons who passed through the portal were left mostly undamaged. They have been lurking here, waiting for prey.";
	code =
		sf(165,9,1);
		activate_hidden_group(50);

		set_name(17869,"Shadowy Infernal");
		set_coloradj(17869,16);
		set_boss_level(17869,1);
		set_new_abil(17869,14);
	
	break;
	
begintalknode 18;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "There are several slithzerikai stonecutters and alchemists in this workshop, keeping frantically busy. If the harsh environment bothers them, they make a point of not showing it.";
	text2 = "When you try to talk to one of them, she says, _Ahssss. Talk to Sage Hemress. I am busy._";

begintalknode 19;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "There are a lot of off-duty soldiers and mages down here, resting and recovering from the ordeal of their last shift at the portal.";
	text2 = "You speak with them briefly and are rewarded with grim warnings about what close proximity to the portal does to you. Their dry skin and thinning hair tell you that they speak truth. You start to worry.";
	text3 = "They are all close to panic, not sure what is happening above. You tell them that it's safe to get out and that they should, while they still can. They start to gather their things, not needing to be told twice.";
	code =
		if (gf(165,0) == 0)
			rs(3);
			else rs(2);
	break;
	
begintalknode 20;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You move close to the Great Portal. From here, its presence is overpowering. Most of those who pass through it have to do so at a run, to keep from being seared by its energy.";
	text2 = "But you aren't here to use it. You back away before its power starts to damage you.";
	text3 = "You move close to the Great Portal. From here, its presence is overpowering. Its swirling energy is barely held in check by the remaining crystal spires.";
	text4 = "Looking through it, you catch quick glimpses of fire, and clawed shapes, and the infernal realms. You back away, lest you are sucked in.";
	action= DEP_ON_SDF 170 1 10;
	
begintalknode 21;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You shoulder your way past the angry and desperate refugees and pass through the open gate. The guards pull from the crowd those few who are allowed to use the portal. You are all pushed through, and the gates close behind you.";
	text2 = "Those lucky few who will now use the portal line up on the thin strip of walkway ahead of you. You look around, trying to acclimate yourself to the painfully harsh environment around the portal.";
	text3 = "And then you see Sergeant Nichol, at the base of the stone rise upon which the portal rests. It is ringed by eight huge, glowing crystal spires, which feed it with energy and hold it in a stable position.";
	text4 = "Nichol shouts, _Come closer! I'll tell you how this works!_";

begintalknode 22;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "When you get close to this crystal, you realize that the buzzing noise wasn't in Sergeant Nichol's head. It is a massive stone, ten feet high, glowing red, and putting off a lot of heat.";
	text2 = "And it is vibrating, making the soft, shrill noise. It was humming quietly at first. But it seems to be getting louder.";
	text3 = "And then, as you watch in horror, a crack appears in the side of the crystal. A tiny one, a hairline fracture, only a few inches long. But then power starts to flow out through the fissure. It grows quickly, releasing more energy.";
	text4 = "It occurs to you that standing next to this stone might be very dangerous.";

begintalknode 23;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "And then the crystal pillar explodes.";

begintalknode 24;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You and Sergeant Nichol turn and look at the portal. What you see is not good.";
	text2 = "There were eight stones surrounding the portal. Now there are seven, feeding energy into the maelstrom and trying to hold it stable. They seem to be succeeding, so far.";
	text3 = "The portal flails and shakes. It shoots out random bolts of searing energy. Entering it now would be certain death. But it is still there, sort of stable.";
	text4 = "Sergeant Nichol stares into the shuddering tear in reality, trying to see if anything is going to emerge. He turns and shouts to you, _The people. In line. Get them out of here!_";
	text5 = "Two of the people who were waiting to use the portal are already running to the gate. Two of them, however, are still standing there. Transfixed. Trying to decide whether to chance it. You look at them again. They seem familiar ...";
	code =
		sf(165,7,12);
	break;
	
begintalknode 25;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Now that the refugees have been evacuated, it seems time to follow them. Sergeant Nichol turns away from the portal and shouts, _Nothing we can do here. It's time to ..._";
	text2 = "Years away from the action have not entirely dulled his reflexes. When the first imp leaps out of the fractured portal, he spins and draws his blade. He parries the creature's blow just in time.";
	text3 = "Then more imps emerge. They are dazed by the portal, but still dangerous. Two of them leap at Nichol. The rest of them charge toward the exit gates.";
	text4 = "Nichol shouts, _I have these! Stop them before they get to the gates!_ Vanderin shouts, _Hooray! A foe to fight!_";

begintalknode 26;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Several of the imps are dead on the ground, the greenish ichor they use instead of blood pooling and hissing on the stone.";
	text2 = "Vanderin takes aim and fires at another, letting out a whoop of joy. _That's right! Keep them coming! I'm not afraid!_";
	text3 = "And then there is a flash of light, and more imps come out of the portal. And something much larger. For a moment, Vanderin seems to question the wisdom of taunting the demonic realms.";
	text4 = "Sergeant Nichol backs off, waving his blade as he withdraws. _This position is lost. We need reinforcements. Mages! Run out the gate! Hurry!_";
	text5 = "The gate slowly begins to open, clearing an escape route for you.";
	code =
		if (char_ok(17882) == FALSE)
			rs(4);
	break;
	
begintalknode 27;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You run out of the gate. You turn and look for Sergeant Nichol. His situation is not a good one.";
	text2 = "He is backing down the hill, swinging his blade and holding back the demons. He turns and tries to run. He trips on a stone and stumbles. And then they are on him, a swarm of teeth and claws.";
	text3 = "As he falls, he screams, _Tell the Castle! Save yourself! Save ..._ And then they bring him down.";
	text4 = "The guards slam the gates shut to slow the demons down. Soldiers come running, taking up positions to hold the demons. And, just that quickly, the Great Portal is lost.";
	text5 = "The Castle will need to be informed of this as quickly as possible.";

begintalknode 28;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,17) == 0 && gf(165,0) > 0;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You stumble away from the portal, stunned, still trying to appreciate the magnitude of what has happened. The Great Portal, Avernum's sole link to the surface, is gone.";
	text2 = "The food that has kept everyone from tipping over into starvation? Gone. The escape route that gave the people hope of safety? Now swirling and pulsing behind you, barely in control.";
	text3 = "And you can hear the demons howling and screeching behind you. The portal is attracting more of them.";
	text4 = "Your mission is complete. You know far more about what is happening at the Great Portal than you wanted to. It is time to return to the Castle and begin dealing with this new, far darker future.";
	action = SET_SDF 165 17 1;
	code =
		award_party_xp(800,15);
	break;
	
// Sergeant Nichol

begintalknode 30;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 30;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Sergeant Nichol";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol was the man who trained you, your first superior in the Avernite army. He takes an irritating pleasure in being put in charge of you once again.";
	text2 = "_Your fortune continues, young warrior. You, like me, have managed to avoid the war for a short time longer. This is a more draining post than the food depot. I'm sure you've seen that already._";
	text3 = "_But it still beats getting impaled and devoured by mad slithzerikai. I'm in charge of showing you the ropes. And we're going to start, well, now._";
	text5 = "Sergeant Nichol is starting to look impatient. _You've never shown much attention to punctuality, but I do. We are due upstairs. Let me know when you're ready, and I'll take you up and explain how things are done._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 31;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = 31;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How did you get here?";
	text1 = "_Ahhh ..._ He shakes his head wistfully. _The Castle Food Depot is dying out. A shadow of its former self. And so Lieutenant Katlyn had to send some soldiers away. She plucked me out of my safe, cool refuge down below and gave me orders._";

begintalknode 32;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = 32;
	condition = 1;
	question = "You're in charge of training me?";
	text1 = "He claps you on the shoulder. _Just like the old days, eh? Our first shift starts soon. Well, it should have started. You're late._";
	text2 = "_It's safe, at least. No real dangers. Except for the portal itself._";
	
begintalknode 33;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How did I come to be transferred here?";
	text1 = "_No idea. I had nothing to do with it. I mean, I suggested you be sent here. I'm still looking out for you, you know. But I heard rumors you were doing all sorts of great things back west._";
	text2 = "_No idea how you ended up here._";

begintalknode 34;
	state = 30;
	nextstate = 33;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What happens now?";
	text1 = "_Well, get settled in. Quickly. When you're ready, let me know, and we'll go up and give you your first lesson._";
	text2 = "_So ... Ready at last?_";

begintalknode 35;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What happened to the food depot?";
	text1 = "_It's still there, but they're transferring the soldiers there away one by one. Not enough food, you see. The cold storage is almost tapped out. Soon, there won't be any need for that depot at all. It'll just be a shell._";

begintalknode 36;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "And so you were sent here?";
	text1 = "_She had to send some to Fort Saffron, some to the front to fight the horde, and one to the Great Portal. It's a miserable, safe duty here. She thought it would suit me. She was right._";
	text2 = "";

begintalknode 37;
	state = 31;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Why don't you want to fight the Slith Horde?";
	text1 = "He laughs. _Look at me. Kid, I'm old. Bent half over. If the Blight hadn't come, I'd have served out my last few years and retired on a little lichen farm somewhere._";
	text2 = "_I would be of no use on the front, facing down those merciless terrors. Believe me._";

begintalknode 38;
	state = 32;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What will we do, exactly?";
	text1 = "_We spend four hours on, eight off, and repeat. The portal never rests. We'll watch the refugees and instruct them. Send them into the portal one by one. We'll also cart to the wall any supplies that come through the portal._";
	text2 = "_Then we come down here and recover. Being so close to the portal is tiring, as you'll see._";

begintalknode 39;
	state = 32;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Is the portal dangerous?";
	text1 = "_Only if you spend too many months near it. That's why nobody is stationed here longer than three months. More than that, and your skin starts coming off in sheets._";

begintalknode 40;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Not yet.";
	text1 = "He laughs, not unkindly. _Oh, you haven't changed. Good having you here. Makes it feel like home. Go get settled in, and be quick about it. Every minute the portal is idle is a minute wasted._";
	action = END_TALK;

begintalknode 41;
	state = 33;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "I'm ready.";
	text1 = "_All right. Go upstairs and through the portal gates. Once you're inside, I'll give you instructions._";
	text2 = "He turns and walks toward the stairs.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,1);
	break;
	

// Sage Hemress

begintalknode 50;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 50;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Name";
	text1 = "There are several slithzerikai working in this workshop, and one of them is clearly in charge. They don't seem to be bothered by the heat or the energy from the portal, which makes them natural for this job.";
	text2 = "They are working on both crystals and alchemy. Polishing the stone and making the brews that the portal complex requires to run. The lead slith walks up to you, irritated by the interruption.";
	text3 = "_Ahhssss ... What isss it, young soldier? I am Sage Hemress, and we are very busy. Never a moment of rest for usss._";
	text5 = "Sage Hemress and his slithzerikai continue to work urgently on the crystals and magical machinery in the shop. With regret, Hemress eventually turns to speak with you. _Hssss. Yesss? What isss it? Speak quickly._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 51;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = 51;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 0;
	question = "I'd like to speak with you.";
	text1 = "He looks you over with annoyance. _Ahsss. You are the new guide and guard, yesss? Your duty is not here. Go down the stairsss near the gatesss for your instruction._";
	text2 = "He shakes his head. _More workersss. More use of the portal. It isss madnessss._";

	
begintalknode 52;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 1;
	question = "I'd like to speak with you.";
	text1 = "_Hsss. Not yet. I am still trying to see the scale of the disaster. Come back later. I might have work for you._ He runs off, hissing frantic orders to his assistants.";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 53;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = 55;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 2;
	question = "What are you working on?";
	text1 = "_We are trying to make a crystal to replace the one that was lost. And it isss being very difficult._";
	
begintalknode 54;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = 56;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 2 && gf(165,8) < 2;
	question = "Do you need any help?";
	text1 = "_Ahsss. Hmmm. Yesss. There is a thing I need. Something that may be dangerousss. Something I can't risk my trained workersss on._";
	text2 = "_I need someone to walk up to the gatesss and look through at the portal. Take a close look at it. See how it movesss, what color it isss, and so on. Do thisss and I can reward you._";
	code = 
		set_flag(165,8,1);
		toggle_quest(88,1);
	break;
	
begintalknode 55;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 2 && gf(165,8) > 1;
	question = "Do you need any more help?";
	text1 = "The slith shakes his head. _From a dozen skilled crystal workersss and alchemistsss? Yesss. From you? No._";
	
begintalknode 56;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = 57;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 2 && gf(165,8) == 1 && gf(165,9) > 0;
	question = "I approached the gates. (Describe what you saw.)";
	text1 = "You tell Hemress everything you remember about the portal. Surprisingly, he seems to find it helpful. Without a word, he fetches you a pouch of crystals as a reward.";
	text2 = "_Yesss. This isss good. Asss I thought. Now we can return to work._";
		code = 
		set_flag(165,8,2);
		toggle_quest(88,3);
		award_party_xp(300,14);
		reward_give(241);
		reward_give(242);
		reward_give(243);
		reward_give(244);
		reward_give(214);
	break;		

begintalknode 57;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,0) == 3;
	question = "What are you working on?";
	text1 = "_We are preparing for the crystal to be put in place. Once the portal isss stable, much work will be needed to prevent a new disaster from happening._";
	text2 = "_Go! Passs through the gatesss and help stabilize the portal. There isss little time left._";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 58;
	state = 50;
	nextstate = 53;
	condition = gf(165,0) > 1;
	question = "What happened to the portal exactly?";
	text1 = "_It isss no mystery. There were eight stones around it. Crystalsss that held it stable and gave it power. But they were just that. Stonesss. Every use of the portal strained them. And then they cracked._";
	text2 = "_Othersss will say their mad theoriesss of why it happened, but thisss is the truth. They were scared, they ignored warningsss and they used it too much. It isss the way they are._";

//begintalknode 59;
//	state = 50;
//	nextstate = -1;
//	condition = gf(165,0) == 1;
//	question = "I'd like to speak with you.";
//	text1 = "_Hsss. Not yet. I am still trying to see the scale of the disaster. Come back later. I might have work for you._ He runs off, hissing frantic orders to his assistants.";
//	action = END_TALK;

begintalknode 60;
	state = 51;
	nextstate = 52;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What is madness?";
	text1 = "_These portalsss are delicate, powerful, unstable things. It is not being left to rest. The crystals are not being replaced. It is just used, used, used. I keep telling them._";

begintalknode 61;
	state = 52;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Telling them what?";
	text1 = "_I have given up. Too many reprimandsss. I speak on it no more. Just go do your duty, and we will keep the Great Portal working. Asss long as we can._";
	text2 = "He turns and walks away, hissing frantic orders to his assistants as he goes.";
	action = END_TALK;


begintalknode 62;
	state = 53;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What sort of theories?";
	text1 = "_Some think that the slithzerikai are the cause of every problem they face. Thisss. The Blight. I hope you will help spread the truth. Some slithsss are mad. Not all._";

begintalknode 63;
	state = 53;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "'They' were that way? You mean humans?";
	text1 = "_I mean everyone. Short-sightednessss is the way of all thinking creaturesss. It isss just not usually as harmful asss it isss now._";

begintalknode 64;
	state = 55;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Why is it so difficult to make a replacement?";
	text1 = "_You joke. It took yearsss and yearsss of hard work to make the portal. To find eight matched stones and polish and treat and charge them properly._";
	text2 = "_And it isss harder now, with the Slith Horde here cutting usss off from the finest crystal minesss of the north._";

begintalknode 65;
	state = 55;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How long will it take you?";
	text1 = "He shakes his head. _It hasss been hard. Much harder than I thought. We had three stonesss we thought would work. One was too small. One could not hold the energy. One cracked in testing._";
	text2 = "_We will not stop trying, but it isss hard. Without help from outside, I do not think we will succeed before disaster happensss._";

begintalknode 66;
	state = 56;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Is it dangerous?";
	text1 = "_Except for the demonsss that constantly pour out of the ruined portal, no._";

begintalknode 67;
	state = 56;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Why is that helpful?";
	text1 = "_Hssss. Are you a skilled crystal worker and master in the waysss of portalsss? I thought not. Trust I know what we need._";

begintalknode 68;
	state = 57;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "That was helpful? What did you learn?";
	text1 = "_Hssss. I know that the portal hasss not decayed as much as I thought. The seven remaining crystalsss hold the power. Not stable, but still there._";
	text2 = "_If a replacement stone can be found, somehow, the portal can be reformed. Maybe even useful. It is a difficult task, but it does leave usss with hope._";

// 70 Commander Meryhew

begintalknode 70;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 70;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Name";
	text1 = "Once again, a familiar figure greets you at the portal. This time it is Commander Meryhew, your former superior officer at the Castle. She bears the burns and scratches of multiple skirmishes with the demon horde.";
	text2 = "She seems determined to survive where others, like unfortunate Sergeant Nichol, have fallen. _Greetings. I see you have made it here, and you have performed better than I expected._";
	text3 = "_Melanchion's crystal arrived, was tested by the sages, and was being placed. Well, we attempted to place it. Then we requested reinforcements. Looks like we got you._";
	text5 = "Commander Meryhew says, _You have more questions? Ask quickly. Little time remains. We need to move in, place the crystal, and restabilize the portal._";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 71;
	state = 70;
	nextstate = 71;
	condition = 1;
	question = "The crystal arrived safely?";
	text1 = "_It did, even before you reported your success to the Castle. I suspect that Melanchion has been moving it here, carefully and secretly, for weeks._";
	text2 = "_Fortunately, it arrived intact, and it seems it will work._";

begintalknode 72;
	state = 71;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "It has been tested?";
	text1 = "_Yes, by Sage Hemress and his slithzerikai. It will definitely function to hold the portal stable. With charging, the slith thinks that it will function just as well as the stone that exploded. Before it exploded, I mean._";

begintalknode 73;
	state = 71;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Where is it now?";
	text1 = "_Ahhhh ... It is inside the gates. That is the problem. Once we carried it through the gates, the problems began. That is why we needed you._";

begintalknode 74;
	state = 70;
	nextstate = 72;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How is the portal holding together?";
	text1 = "_It isn't. The breach is widening. The energy is growing more unstable by the day. And it is attracting more (and larger) pests._";

begintalknode 75;
	state = 72;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What will happen if the portal isn't stabilized?";
	text1 = "_The wizards disagree. Of course. They only agree on three things. One, the portal will seal itself. Two, there will be an explosion. Three, it will attract more infernals before it goes._";
	text2 = "_How long the process takes, how many demons will come, and whether the explosion will destroy all of Avernum are all mysteries._";

begintalknode 76;
	state = 72;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Stronger demons are coming?";
	text1 = "_That is true. Which brings us directly back to why we called for reinforcements._";

begintalknode 77;
	state = 70;
	nextstate = 73;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What do you need from me?";
	text1 = "_I need to tell you again? All right, but we have little time._";
	text2 = "_Here is what happened. The stone arrived and was inspected. Then the wizards charged it, as quickly as they could. Not fully, but enough to control the portal._";
	text3 = "_Then a platoon of fine soldiers carried it through the gate._";
	code =
		if (gf(165,10) == 0)
			rs(1);
	break;
	
begintalknode 78;
	state = 73;
	nextstate = 74;
	condition = 1;
	question = "And then?";
	text1 = "_And then everything went mad. Something about the crystal's presence drove the portal crazy. Demons poured out! The soldiers dropped the crystal and ran. A few lived. Most didn't._";
	text2 = "_Then, once the crystal stopped moving, the demons stopped coming._";

begintalknode 79;
	state = 74;
	nextstate = 75;
	condition = 1;
	question = "So now what happens?";
	text1 = "_We go back in and we move the crystal. But, this time, you and I and a few others will be there to fight off the demons. We must protect the soldiers as they move the crystal in place._";

begintalknode 80;
	state = 75;
	nextstate = 70;
	condition = 1;
	question = "So what do I do now?";
	text1 = "_Prepare yourself. Become ready, but make haste in doing so. When you are ready for battle, tell me, and we will open the gates and enter._";
	action = SET_SDF 165 10 1;
	
begintalknode 81;
	state = 70;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,10) > 0;
	question = "I am ready. Let's get started.";
	text1 = "Commander Meryhew nods. _Then our course is simple. Get through the gates. Once inside, we will close them, so that the demons can't pour out into Avernum._";
	text2 = "_Soldiers will move the crystal. If you see a demon, kill it. And that's everything._ She claps you on the shoulder. _Good luck to us all. The fate of all the poor starving souls remaining in Avernum is decided today._";
	text3 = "Then she turns and walks to the gate. It opens slowly, and she passes through.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,26,1);
		relocate_char(17900,743,742,0);
		relocate_char(17903,748,738,0);

	break;

begintalknode 82;
	state = 70;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(165,10) > 0;
	question = "I need more time to prepare.";
	text1 = "_All right, but make haste. All of the poor starving souls remaining in Avernum are waiting on us._";
	action = END_TALK;

// 90 Vanderin 1

begintalknode 90;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 90;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Name";
	text1 = "As you advance through your new workplace, a young archer approaches you. The air around the portal shimmers constantly, so you can't get a good look at him until he gets close.";
	text2 = "It is Vanderin, the young archer you met at the goblin-infested mines to the west. He is currently reasonably healthy. A bit scratched up, and his face still has a little bit of color. You can still tell that he is from the surface.";
	text3 = "He's not an Avernite soldier. His skin still has some color to it. He is young, not even twenty, and he has plenty of the idiot confidence that can come with youth. He bows to you. _Welcome, fellow warrior. I am Vanderin!_";
	text4 = "_I see you are joining me in watching the portal. It is good to have more help. You never know when a mob of refugees or a wandering shade will cause trouble._";
	text5 = "Vanderin stares into the portal intently. You're not sure that he should be looking at it too much. It can't be good for the eyes. Then he turns to you. _It's lovely. I just can't stop ... Are you still there?_";
	text6 = "He leans closer. _Oh. There you are. Yes. It's amazing._";
	action = INTRO;
	code =
		if (gf(160,2) == 0)
			rs(2);
			else rs(3);
	break;
	
begintalknode 91;
	state = 90;
	nextstate = 91;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How did you come to be here?";
	text1 = "_Well, I was hunting goblins to the west. Didn't have much luck at that. Some soldiers came through and slaughtered the lot. So I came east._";
	text2 = "_Well, after you wiped out the goblins, there wasn't much left for me to hunt there. So I came east._";
	text3 = "_I heard a rumor that they were short-handed at the portal. So I came here, and they hired me. Took a while getting through Almaria, though._";
	code =
		if (gf(160,2) == 0)
			rs(2);
			else rs(1);
	break;
	
begintalknode 92;
	state = 90;
	nextstate = 92;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Do you have to do much fighting here?";
	text1 = "_Oh, not really. And what little there is is not difficult. It is easy to scare off the refugees, and the demons that come here tend to be weak and confused._";
	text2 = "_I wouldn't be concerned._";

begintalknode 93;
	state = 91;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = gf(160,3) > 0;
	question = "Didn't the goblins kill you?";
	text1 = "_Ah! An understandable mistake! I was merely unconscious. When I awoke later, barely alive, I found that you had left me behind. I'm sure you had your reasons._";
	text2 = "_With great difficulty, I slipped out and crawled to the food depot, where they tended my wounds. And thus my adventurers continued!_";

begintalknode 94;
	state = 91;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "They're short on soldiers here?";
	text1 = "_Oh, yes. Anyone worth anything is being sent up to fight the Slith Horde. So they looked for adventurers. Like me!_";
	text2 = "_They say they don't want adventurers up at the front. That they're 'chaotic influences,' or something like that. Oh, well. I'm sure I'll get up there eventually somehow!_";

begintalknode 95;
	state = 91;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Why was it hard to get through Almaria?";
	text1 = "_Due to an ... ahhh ... gambling mishap, I could not afford the toll to cross the bridge. Fortunately, the commander there, when he found that I wanted to fight at the portal, gave me a loan._";

begintalknode 96;
	state = 92;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Demons?";
	text1 = "_Aye. They are drawn to portals such as this one like a moth to a candle. Wait. Sorry. That's a surface world reference. Let me try again._";
	text2 = "_They are drawn to portals such as this one like a cave moth to a cave candle. I'm sure you understand._";

begintalknode 97;
	state = 90;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What should I do now?";
	text1 = "He points at Sergeant Nichol. _Talk to him. He's a remarkably wise man. He took me under his wing immediately. Teaching me all he knows. A remarkable teacher._";
	text2 = "_I'll be waiting here. Don't worry. Just follow the instructions, and everything will be fine._ He waves you on.";
	action = END_TALK;

begintalknode 100;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Vanderin looks around at the chaos, trying to decide what to do. _I'm sorry. I don't think I can talk right now._";

begintalknode 101;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Vanderin looks stunned. _What ... What happened? Where is Nichol? I ... I don't understand._ It'll take some time for him to regain his senses. You leave him alone.";
	
// 110 Vanderin 2

begintalknode 110;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 110;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Name";
	text1 = "Once again, you encounter Vanderin, the archer from the surface with a remarkable knack for finding himself in the middle of a battle.";
	text2 = "Most of the color is gone from his face. He could pass for a native Avernite now, and he bears quite a collection of scratches and burns. And yet, he is as cheery as ever.";
	text3 = "_Hello, warrior! We meet once again, I see. And in the same place as an earlier miserable meeting. But you have come, no doubt, to rebuild the portal and avenge Sergeant Nichol. And, as before, I am honored to fight by your side._";
	text5 = "Vanderin smiles and chats with you, but he is clearly eager to stop talking and begin fighting.";
	action = INTRO;

begintalknode 111;
	state = 110;
	nextstate = 111;
	condition = gf(68,10) > 0;
	question = "Wait. Didn't you die in the battle with Ess-Kalyn?";
	text1 = "_Yes. Well, I thought I was done for. When all of that rubble came sliding down, and the fire came toward me ..._ He shakes his head. _It was a long day._";
	text2 = "_But I woke up eventually. I must have been mistaken for dead. That is why nobody stayed to help me, I'm sure. I crawled to Fort Duvno. Sure, three of my limbs were broken, but a good attitude carried me through._";
	
begintalknode 112;
	state = 111;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "And they healed you in Fort Duvno?";
	text1 = "_Eventually._";

begintalknode 113;
	state = 110;
	nextstate = 112;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How did you come to join this battle?";
	text1 = "_Well, I was returning to the Great Cave. My adventures up north didn't go too well, as you saw. And when I was passing by my old stomping grounds here, I saw the crowd._";
	
begintalknode 114;
	state = 112;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "And you asked them what was happening.";
	text1 = "_Could any true adventurer do less? Fortunately, Commander Meryhew has heard of me, so she let me join in the battle! What fortune!_";
	
begintalknode 115;
	state = 112;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "And you didn't consider moving on?";
	text1 = "_Move on? When a battle for the future of Avernum is about to be joined? That is not how I will earn my fame. And are you not here as well? I'm sure you understand._";
	text2 = "He winces. _Sorry. When I get excited, my legs hurt in the places where they broke._";
	
begintalknode 116;
	state = 110;
	nextstate = 113;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Who do we report to?";
	text1 = "He points at Commander Meryhew. _A noble officer of Avernum. Is it true that you served under her? That must have been very fulfilling._";
	
begintalknode 117;
	state = 113;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "It's who they sent me to.";
	text1 = "He nods. _Of course. Understated to the last. Anyway, talk to her. She is the one who will give the order to advance. Today, we fight for glory!_";
	text2 = "You leave him to enjoy his enthusiasm.";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 118;
	state = 113;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "I suppose.";
	text1 = "He nods. _Understated to the last. Anyway, talk to her. She is the one who will give the order to advance. Today, we fight for glory!_";
	text2 = "You leave him to enjoy his enthusiasm.";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 119;
	state = 113;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "It was a dream come true.";
	text1 = "He nods. _I can only imagine! To work directly for the Castle ... So many people dream of such an honor, in vain. Anyway, talk to her. She is the one who will give the order to advance. Today, we fight for glory!_";
	text2 = "You leave him to enjoy his enthusiasm.";
	action = END_TALK;

	
//

begintalknode 130;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 130;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Name";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol says, _Was this really the fastest you could get here? All right. This is how this works. The portal is very dangerous. Go through it the wrong way and you could leave an arm or a head in the underworld._";
	text2 = "_Go to the first person in line and tell them, 'It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.'_";
	text3 = "_Keep an eye open for enemies. When the first person is through, come talk to me again._";
	code =
		sf(165,7,3);
	break;
	
begintalknode 131;
	state = 130;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What do I say again?";
	text1 = "_'It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.' Try to speak slowly and clearly. Prevents confusion and unnecessary deaths._";
	
begintalknode 132;
	state = 130;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What enemies should I watch for?";
	text1 = "_You know. Demons. Shades. Anything that wants to eat you, or the people passing through the portal._";
	text2 = "_Don't be too worried, though. We have so many soldiers here, not to mention the ballistae, that anything we face will be quick work._";

begintalknode 133;
	state = 130;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "That's all?";
	text1 = "_Yes. First person. Say the words. Wait until they're safely through. Come back to me._";
	text2 = "He waves you off. _Hurry. We're wasting valuable portal time._";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 135; //
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = " ";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol looks annoyed. Not unusual for him. _Didn't you hear me the first time? Don't come back until the first person is through the portal._";
	
begintalknode 136; //
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = " ";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol looks annoyed. Not unusual for him. _I hope we aren't going to have these delays every time. Don't come back until the second person is through the portal._";
	
begintalknode 140; //
	state = 140;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol looks annoyed. _Don't think I didn't see what happened. You didn't say the words exactly right, did you? You're lucky that idiot didn't have the top of his head sheared off._";
	text2 = "Sergeant Nichol smiles. _There. See? Easy work. It's hot and annoying, I know, but it's safe._";
	text3 = "_Now go send through the next person. Remember. 'It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.'_";
	code =
		sf(165,7,6);
		if (gf(165,12) == 1)
			rs(2);
			else rs(1);
	break;
	
begintalknode 141;
	state = 140;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Will do!";
	text1 = "_Good lad! I like the enthusiasm! I'll do my best to keep you away from adventure from now on. Now go on and send in the second person._";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 142;
	state = 140;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Wait. This is all I'm going to do from now on?";
	text1 = "_Isn't is marvelous? Safe. Orderly. No slithzerikai to fight. No need to thank me. Go on and send in the second person._";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 145;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 145;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "You return to Sergeant Nichol, fully expecting an unnecessary repetition of his earlier instructions. Instead, you find that he is looking at one of the eastern crystals. He looks confused.";
	text2 = "_Ah, yes. Sorry for the delay. My old ears, they're playing tricks on me._ He rubs his right ear with his finger. _I keep hearing this squealing sound. From over there._ He points to the east.";
	text3 = "_Probably a waste of time, but do a quick round of the crystals. Get close to them and make sure there's no pests there._";
	code =
		sf(165,7,9);
	break;
	
begintalknode 146;
	state = 145;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Isn't this a waste of time?";
	text1 = "_Yes. It is. But old Sage Hemress, the crystal worker, says we should look at anything strange. He worries too much, that old lizard, but my orders are to do what he says._";
	
begintalknode 147;
	state = 145;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "What am I looking for?";
	text1 = "_Anything that ... that ... I look like a mage to you? Anything funny. You know. Odd. Just look at each crystal._";
	
begintalknode 148;
	state = 145;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "All right. I'm going.";
	text1 = "He nods. _And do it quickly. We have a lot of people and supplies to get through the portal today._";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 150;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol says, _You haven't checked each crystal. You think I'm not watching you? I'm right here! Go!_";
	action = END_TALK;
	
begintalknode 152;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _What are you doing? Get clear of that crystal!_";
	
begintalknode 153;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _We have to get everyone clear! Who knows what the portal is about to do? Talk to the refugees and get them out of here!_";
	
begintalknode 154;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _Get clear! I'll slow these imps down. I'm old, but these pests have nothing on me!_";
	
begintalknode 155;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = ".";
	text2 = "";
	
begintalknode 156;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = ".";
	text2 = "";
	
begintalknode 157;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = ".";
	text2 = "";

// Dudes
	
begintalknode 170;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "These people are waiting nervously in line to enter the portal. They stare up at it, trying to summon the courage to step into that maelstrom of raw power.";
	text2 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _Don't bother them. Listen to me. Follow my orders! Why are you always so distracted?_";

begintalknode 171;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "You approach one of the people back in the line. The person who is first is line is immediately agitated by this apparent rejection of the proper way to do things. Sergeant Nichol is also annoyed.";
	text2 = "_No! No! Start with the first person in line and head back! How complicated is that?_";

begintalknode 172;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "The second man enters the portal without incident. Flash. Ozone. Gone.";
	text2 = "You turn to Nichol, expecting to be told what to do with the third person in line. The same exact thing, most likely. Instead, you see him looking into the air, seemingly confused. Then he looks at you.";
	text3 = "_Come here. Something isn't right._";

begintalknode 173;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Penn and Belyna charge toward the portal. Sergeant Nichol, afraid that they will drag him in with them, steps back. They charge into the maelstrom.";
	text2 = "They don't get close to the center. A few steps in, the violent magical forces tear them apart. Within moments, there is nothing left of them but some glowing motes of light and a spray of pink mist.";

begintalknode 174;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Penn and Belyna reach the gate. A guard opens it slightly. Shaking with tears of anger and frustration, they stumble out and run to safety.";

begintalknode 175;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = ".";
	text2 = "";

begintalknode 176;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = ".";
	text2 = "";

begintalknode 180;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 180;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "You approach the first person in line. He stands there, next to a younger man, possibly his son. He says, _Is this it? Is it my turn? What do I do?_";

begintalknode 181;
	state = 180;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.";
	text1 = "He nods, tries to memorize these instructions, and turns to the other man. _This is it. See you on the other side._";
	text2 = "Then he turns and begins his hike up the hill.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,4);
		sf(165,12,2);
	break;
	
begintalknode 182;
	state = 180;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Ummm ... Just go through the portal.";
	text1 = "_What? Is that all? All right._ He turns to the other man. _This is it. See you on the other side._";
	text2 = "Then he turns and begins his hike slowly up the hill. Very slowly and unsteadily. Sergeant Nichol looks concerned.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,4);
		sf(165,12,1);
	break;

begintalknode 185;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "The first man walks through the portal, quickly and calmly. There is a zapping sound and the smell of ozone, and he is gone. One less soul for Avernum to feed.";
	text2 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _All right. Come here to learn about the next step._";

begintalknode 186;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "The first man slowly walks through the portal, looking like he is about to pass out. He is too slow. Shortly after he enters, the portal wavers. The border of it shifts, just clearing the top of his head.";
	text2 = "A handful of hair drifts to the ground. Then, before anything worse happens, there is a zapping sound and the smell of ozone, and he is gone. One less soul for Avernum to feed.";
	text3 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _All right. What was that? Get over here!_";

begintalknode 190; //
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 190;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "You approach the man who is next in line. He looks even more terrified than he did before.";
	text2 = "_Was that all right? I mean, is that what was supposed to happen? Is Doral safe?_";

begintalknode 191;
	state = 190;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "I'm sure he's just fine.";
	text1 = "He nods, unconvinced.";

begintalknode 192;
	state = 190;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.";
	text1 = "He nods. Then he asks you to repeat the instructions. Then he shakes his head and sighs. _Well, this is what we wanted. I can't hardly back out now._";
	text2 = "He begins his hike up the hill.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,7);
	break;

begintalknode 193;
	state = 190;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Up you go. Walk through the portal.";
	text1 = "Sergeant Nichol hears this. He is apoplectic. _No! No! You say, 'Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.'_";
	text2 = "_This is a disaster. Keep this up, and you'll be at the front before you know it. You ..._ He points at the man. _Don't stand there yawping. Go!_";
	text3 = "The man shakes his head and sighs. _Well, this is what we wanted. I can't hardly back out now._ He begins his hike up the hill.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,7);
	break;
	
/// 
begintalknode 200;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = 200;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "One couple is still standing on the walkway, not sure what to do. You finally recognize them. They are Penn and Belyna. They begged you for help getting more food back at the depot. Seems like a very long time ago now.";
	text2 = "Belyna turns and stops you. She doesn't seem to recognize you. She is desperate, almost hysterical. _What is wrong? What is happening to the portal?_";
	text3 = "_You have to let us go through! We've been waiting for so long! Please let us through!_ Penn is silent. He stares at the portal, transfixed.";
	
begintalknode 201;
	state = 200;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "How did you come to be here?";
	text1 = "Belyna says, _We were lucky in the lottery. The last lottery._ She holds up a piece of paper with a spot of white paint on it. _Now let us through. Please!_";
	text2 = "Penn stares up at the portal, stunned. There is something about the lights that seem to affect him. He takes a step forward.";
	
begintalknode 202;
	state = 200;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Look at the portal. Don't you see it is unstable?";
	text1 = "Belyna shakes her head. _We can't stay down here. Not anymore. There's no food. No hope. We will risk it. We need to get out of here!_ Her voice rises to a shriek.";
	text2 = "Sergeant Nichol and Vanderin are staring at you. Vanderin tries to decide whether to intervene.";
	
begintalknode 203;
	state = 200;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "Fine. Suit Yourself. It is your turn. Pass through the portal quickly. Walk through the center. Keep your arms close to you.";
	text1 = "Belyna nods and grabs Penn's arm. He seems dazed, hypnotized by the portal. They begin to run toward the chaotic swirl of energy.";
	text2 = "Sergeant Nichol shouts, _No! Don't!_ They ignore him and charge forward.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,13);
		sf(165,14,1);
	break;
	
begintalknode 204;
	state = 200;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "If you enter that thing, you will die. You have to go.";
	text1 = "Something about your words shakes Penn out of his stupor. He looks over at his wife. Then he grabs her arm. She tries to run forward, but he restrains her.";
	text2 = "She turns to look at him. He shakes his head. And then they run toward the gates.";
	action = END_TALK;
	code =
		sf(165,7,13);
		sf(165,14,2);
	break;

//// 

begintalknode 210;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Once again, you step through these accursed gates and face the portal. It is less stable than it was the last time you saw it. If it is not repaired soon, it will either collapse or tear open. Neither would be good.";
	text2 = "After you pass through the gates, several other soldiers join you. They run to the crystal and take up positions around it, ready to haul it into position around the portal.";
	text3 = "This isn't the first time this was attempted. The blood and scorch marks on the ground testify to what happened last time. Perhaps, with your help, this time the effort will be successful.";
	text4 = "Commander Meryhew shouts, _All right. No time for speeches. You know what is at stake. All Avernum is counting on us. Seal the hole. Heave!_";
	text5 = "The soldiers strain, grunt, and tug on the ropes. Slowly, the crystal begins to move.";

begintalknode 211;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Commander Meryhew points up at the portal. _There! They're coming! Be ready!_";
	text2 = "Sure enough, shadowy, leathery forms are emerging from the portal. They are much larger than what you faced when the portal was destroyed. It is attracting larger and nastier enemies.";
	text3 = "Meryhew shouts, _Pull! Move the stone! Other soldiers, attack!_";

begintalknode 212;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Commander Meryhew snaps, _Don't bother talking to me. Watch the portal. Anything that comes out of it and has scales, you kill it!_";
	

begintalknode 213;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "At last, the stone slides into place. The ring of crystals is complete. Suddenly, everything gets very still. Warriors and infernals alike, they look to see what will happen.";
	text2 = "But instead of being put back into balance, the new power source, at first, only disrupts the portal more. It sways about wildly, and then it begins to inhale.";
	text3 = "An enormous wind begins to blow, sucking everything, soldiers, demons, supplies, bodies, into the maw of the portal. You throw yourself onto the ground, struggling to hold on and keep from being devoured.";
	text4 = "And then you lose your grip. In one final pull, the portal pulls in everything nearby but the crystal spires that support it. In your last moments in Avernum, you see the magical doorway grow still, stable, restored ...";
	text5 = "And then it sucks you through ...";
	

begintalknode 214;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "Out of the corner of your eye, you see Vanderin succumb to an infernal's attack. He collapses to the ground, hideously wounded. And then you return your concentration to the battle, and the unending assault of the horde ...";
	

begintalknode 215;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "special";
	text1 = "You feel the ground shake under your feet. A huge, lumbering, shadowy figure is visible within the portal. You turn and brace yourself. A moment later, it emerges.";
	text2 = "It is a towering, terrifying beast, a gigantic slab of scales, muscle, and lightning, wrapped in a robe of spidersilk and silver wire. It looks across the battlefield, sees you, and moves toward you.";
	text3 = "The portal has at last attracted a haakai, one of the barons of hell. And it is coming to challenge you for control of this outpost. You can't afford to fail.";
	
	
	
	
////

begintalknode 299;
	state = -1;
	nextstate = -1;
	condition = 1;
	question = "";
	text1 = "Unfortunately, the Portal Caldera, in the heart of Avernum, was a poor place to begin your life of crime. Most of the soldiers have had to travel northeast to fight the slithzerikai, but enough remain down here to hunt you down.";
	text2 = "You are jailed in Fort Remote. By the time you are able to get free, the multiple disasters that afflict Avernum have doomed you and all around you.";	
	code =
		erase_char(30000);
	break;
