Fool's Gold

<img src="https://writteninstarlight.neocities.org/twines/images/Dionysus.png" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;" /> [[Begin?->Intro]]

You are a member of the High Table's cybersecurity team. You work alongside [[THE SNAKE]] and under the [[MARQUIS JACK]]. You serve and are of service through [[PROTECTION]] of High Table assets. You have noticed [[SOMETHING WRONG]].

<img src="https://writteninstarlight.neocities.org/twines/images/TheSnake.jpg" style="float: right;" /> The High Table says... ''NAME:'' Michael D. Barnes ''ALIAS:'' The Snake ''AFFILIATION:'' Owner of The Black and Blue, Boston, MA ''FORMER POSITIONS:'' <ul> <li>Cybersecurity Liaison</li> <li>Accountant</li> <li>Mentee</li> </ul> ''CURRENT STATUS:'' Devout servant of the Table and its values. The Black and Blue is an open service location. Business is allowed on the grounds. (text-style:"blur","expand","sway")[Dionysus] says... //His name is more accurate than can be established here. He's a traitor and a liar.// [[Back->Intro]]

<img src = "https://writteninstarlight.neocities.org/twines/images/MarquisJack.png" style="float: right; width: 50%; height: 50%;"> The High Table says... ''NAME:'' Jack [REDACTED] ''ALIAS:'' None ''AFFILIATION:'' Grand Marquis under the Table ''FORMER POSITIONS:'' <ul> <li>Cybersecurity Liaison</li> <li>Adjudicator</li> <li>Accountant</li> <li>Mentee</li> </ul> ''CURRENT STATUS:'' Assigned to the //Fool's Gold// case. (text-style:"blur","expand","sway")[Dionysus] says... //He is worth fearing. He believes I did wrong. I was framed.// [[Back->Intro]]

The responsibilities of the Cybersecurity Division include but are not limited to... <ul> <li>Maintaining anonymity</li> <li>Establishing commensurate protocols so as to protect the High Table's infrastructure</li> <li>To maintain compatibility with existing infrastructure</li> <li>To assess and manage the removal of threats to the High Table's infrastructure</li> <li>To respect the Old Ways</li> </ul> [[Back->Intro]]

The [[SERVERS]] have been behaving strangely. There seems to be [[SOMEONE]] in each and every one until the moment you log in. You see mouse pointers move, typing stop, file copy windows there for a flash and then vanish. It is weird. Someone is in the system. You must [[HUNT]].

The High Table's Server network is scattered throughout hundreds of thousands of data centers around the world, hidden in nondescript cabinets and old servers interfacing with the analog in Accounts Payable. They keep track of everyone under the Table. This is what we protect. Look behind you. [[Back->SOMETHING WRONG]]

It could be one of [[THE CLANS]]. It could be an [[INDEPENDENT]]. They must be [[STOPPED->HUNT]]. [[Back->SOMETHING WRONG]]

[[You set a honeypot.->CAUGHT]] [[You log in and wait.->CAUGHT]]

If one of THE CLANS means to go to war with the High Table, they might as well have signed their own death warrant. No one wins against the High Table. You might not lose, but you definitely won't win. They outgun you. They outnumber you. They absolutely outinfluence you. This is not where things are going. [[Back->SOMEONE]]

It could be an Independent, someone not under the Table. This is the most likely situation. It's unlikely that they're going to be preparing for all-out war. They're looking for something. Something specific. [[It's time to HUNT->HUNT]]

You catch them. They log in to the server and start exploring. They find something. [[You should inform the others->THE SNAKE 2]]

You tell The Snake what you found. It's his job to tell the Table. [[He doesn't.->BETRAYAL]]

He lets them in instead. It seems you've stumbled upon something you weren't meant to see. You are blamed for what they take. [[What did they steal?->FOOLS GOLD]]

They find [[the alloy used to manufacture the Coins->ALLOY]]. You, (text-style:"blur","expand","sway")[Dionysus], are declared excommunicado. You need help. You call in a [[few novices with promise->YOU]]. Perhaps you can clear your name?

It is up to you to protect the sanctity of the High Table and its laws, now. They're going to make counterfeits, and you need to stop them. Beware the Marquis and his Myrmidons. You will not be able to defeat them. Not yet. Your quest begins in the Black and Blue. Find the Snake, and learn what he did with the alloy formula. All Continental services and associates are available to you. The Concierge can help direct you. [[Restart?->Menu]]

You, you idiots. I hope I made the right decision if you truly needed to check. [[Back->FOOLS GOLD]]