Depths Game Example for Storie engine (https://github.com/maddestlabs/storie). Playable at: https://maddestlabs.github.io/storie/?gist=953d53977dffc6a0cc3ba3bf60962d44

canvas.lua

-- Canvas Navigation Plugin for Storied
-- Provides spatial layout, smooth panning, and interactive link navigation

local Canvas = {}

-- Configuration
local SECTION_WIDTH = 60
local SECTION_HEIGHT = 20
local SECTION_PADDING = 10
local MAX_SECTIONS_PER_ROW = 3
local PAN_SPEED = 5.0
local SMOOTH_SPEED = 8.0

-- State
local camera = {x = 0, y = 0, targetX = 0, targetY = 0}
local sections = {}
local currentSectionIdx = 0
local links = {}  -- Table of all clickable links in current section
local focusedLinkIdx = 0  -- Currently focused link (for tab navigation)
local visitedSections = {}  -- Track which sections have been visited (by ID)
local hiddenSections = {}  -- Track which sections are hidden (by ID)
local removedSections = {}  -- Track which sections have been removed (by ID)

-- Parse markdown links from text: [text](target)
local function parseLinks(text)
  local foundLinks = {}
  for linkText, target in text:gmatch("%[([^%]]+)%]%(([^%)]+)%)") do
    table.insert(foundLinks, {text = linkText, target = target})
  end
  return foundLinks
end

-- Find section by ID or title
local function findSectionByReference(ref)
  -- Remove leading # if present
  if ref:sub(1,1) == "#" then
    ref = ref:sub(2)
  end
  
  -- Try exact title match FIRST (most common case)
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section.title == ref then
      return section
    end
  end
  
  -- Try exact ID match
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section.id == ref then
      return section
    end
  end
  
  -- Try title match (case-insensitive)
  local lowerRef = ref:lower()
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section.title:lower() == lowerRef then
      return section
    end
  end
  
  -- Try partial title match
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section.title:lower():find(lowerRef, 1, true) then
      return section
    end
  end
  
  return nil
end

-- Check if a section has been visited (by title)
local function isVisited(sectionTitle)
  return visitedSections[sectionTitle] == true
end

-- Check if a section is hidden (by title)
local function isHidden(sectionTitle)
  return hiddenSections[sectionTitle] == true
end

-- Check if a section has been removed (by title)
local function isRemoved(sectionTitle)
  return removedSections[sectionTitle] == true
end

-- Mark a section as visited (by title)
local function markVisited(sectionTitle)
  visitedSections[sectionTitle] = true
  hiddenSections[sectionTitle] = nil  -- Unhide when visited
end

-- Hide a section (by title)
local function hideSection(sectionTitle)
  hiddenSections[sectionTitle] = true
end

-- Remove a section (by title)
local function removeSection(sectionTitle)
  removedSections[sectionTitle] = true
end

-- Restore a removed section (by title)
local function restoreSection(sectionTitle)
  removedSections[sectionTitle] = nil
end

-- Filter out list items that contain only links to removed sections
local function filterRemovedSectionLinks(content)
  local lines = {}
  
  for line in content:gmatch("[^\n]+") do
    local trimmedLine = line:match("^%s*(.-)%s*$") -- trim whitespace
    
    -- Check for list item pattern: bullet + optional whitespace + content
    local bullet, restOfLine = trimmedLine:match("^([*+-])%s+(.+)$")
    
    if bullet and restOfLine then
      -- Check if the rest is purely a link (no other text)
      local linkText, target = restOfLine:match("^%[([^%]]+)%]%(([^%)]+)%)$")
      
      if linkText and target then
        -- This is a list item with ONLY a link
        local targetSection = findSectionByReference(target)
        
        if targetSection and isRemoved(targetSection.title) then
          -- Skip this entire list item
          goto continue
        end
      end
      -- Otherwise, it's a list item with mixed content or just text - keep it
    end
    
    -- Keep this line (either not a list item, or a list item we want to keep)
    table.insert(lines, line)
    
    ::continue::
  end
  
  return table.concat(lines, "\n")
end

local function calculateSectionPositions()
  local currentX, currentY = 0, 0
  local maxHeightInRow, sectionsInRow = 0, 0
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    -- Check if section has metadata with x,y position
    if section.metadata and section.metadata.x and section.metadata.y then
      section.x, section.y = section.metadata.x, section.metadata.y
    else
      section.x, section.y = currentX, currentY
      sectionsInRow = sectionsInRow + 1
      maxHeightInRow = math.max(maxHeightInRow, SECTION_HEIGHT)
      if sectionsInRow >= MAX_SECTIONS_PER_ROW then
        currentX, currentY = 0, currentY + maxHeightInRow + SECTION_PADDING
        maxHeightInRow, sectionsInRow = 0, 0
      else
        currentX = currentX + SECTION_WIDTH + SECTION_PADDING
      end
    end
    section.width, section.height = SECTION_WIDTH, SECTION_HEIGHT
  end
end

local function wrapText(text, maxWidth)
  local lines, words = {}, {}
  for word in text:gmatch("%S+") do table.insert(words, word) end
  local currentLine = ""
  for _, word in ipairs(words) do
    if #currentLine + #word + 1 <= maxWidth then
      currentLine = (#currentLine > 0) and (currentLine .. " " .. word) or word
    else
      if #currentLine > 0 then table.insert(lines, currentLine) end
      currentLine = word
    end
  end
  if #currentLine > 0 then table.insert(lines, currentLine) end
  return lines
end

-- Parse and render inline markdown (bold, italic)
local function renderInlineMarkdown(text, x, y, maxWidth, baseColor, baseBold)
  local currentX = x
  local pos = 1
  local isBold = baseBold or false
  local isItalic = false
  
  while pos <= #text and currentX < x + maxWidth do
    if pos + 1 <= #text and text:sub(pos, pos + 1) == "**" then
      isBold = not isBold
      pos = pos + 2
    elseif text:sub(pos, pos) == "*" and (pos == 1 or text:sub(pos - 1, pos - 1) ~= "*") and
           (pos == #text or text:sub(pos + 1, pos + 1) ~= "*") then
      isItalic = not isItalic
      pos = pos + 1
    elseif text:sub(pos, pos) == "_" then
      local prevChar = (pos > 1) and text:sub(pos - 1, pos - 1) or " "
      local nextChar = (pos < #text) and text:sub(pos + 1, pos + 1) or " "
      if prevChar:match("[%s%p]") and nextChar:match("[%s%p]") or
         prevChar:match("%s") or nextChar:match("%s") or
         pos == 1 or pos == #text then
        isItalic = not isItalic
        pos = pos + 1
      else
        local char = text:sub(pos, pos)
        buffer:write(currentX, y, char, baseColor, 0, isBold, false, isItalic)
        currentX = currentX + 1
        pos = pos + 1
      end
    else
      local char = text:sub(pos, pos)
      buffer:write(currentX, y, char, baseColor, 0, isBold, false, isItalic)
      currentX = currentX + 1
      pos = pos + 1
    end
  end
  
  return currentX - x
end

-- Render text with inline link highlighting and markdown formatting
-- Links to removed sections are rendered as plain text
local function renderTextWithLinks(text, x, y, maxWidth, linkStyle)
  local pos = 0
  local currentX = x
  local globalLinkIdx = #links + 1
  
  while pos < #text do
    local linkStart, linkEnd, linkText, target = text:find("%[([^%]]+)%]%(([^%)]+)%)", pos + 1)
    
    if linkStart then
      local beforeLink = text:sub(pos + 1, linkStart - 1)
      if #beforeLink > 0 then
        local charsRendered = renderInlineMarkdown(beforeLink, currentX, y, maxWidth - (currentX - x), 37, false)
        currentX = currentX + charsRendered
      end
      
      -- Check if target section is removed
      local targetSection = findSectionByReference(target)
      local shouldRenderLink = not (targetSection and isRemoved(targetSection.title))
      
      if shouldRenderLink then
        -- Render as active link
        local isFocused = (globalLinkIdx == focusedLinkIdx)
        local linkColor = isFocused and 33 or 34
        local linkBold = isFocused
        local isUnderlined = true
        
        if linkStyle then
          table.insert(links, {
            text = linkText,
            target = target,
            screenX = currentX,
            screenY = y,
            width = #linkText,
            index = globalLinkIdx
          })
        end
        
        for i = 1, #linkText do
          if currentX < x + maxWidth then
            buffer:write(currentX, y, linkText:sub(i, i), linkColor, 0, linkBold, isUnderlined)
            currentX = currentX + 1
          end
        end
        
        globalLinkIdx = globalLinkIdx + 1
      else
        -- Render as plain text (dimmed/grayed out)
        local charsRendered = renderInlineMarkdown(linkText, currentX, y, maxWidth - (currentX - x), 30, false)
        currentX = currentX + charsRendered
      end
      
      pos = linkEnd
    else
      local remaining = text:sub(pos + 1)
      if #remaining > 0 then
        renderInlineMarkdown(remaining, currentX, y, maxWidth - (currentX - x), 37, false)
      end
      break
    end
  end
end

local function renderSection(section, screenX, screenY, viewport)
  local isCurrent = section.index == currentSectionIdx
  
  -- Skip removed sections entirely
  if isRemoved(section.title) then
    return
  end
  
  if isCurrent then
    links = {}
    if focusedLinkIdx == 0 then
      focusedLinkIdx = 1
    end
  end
  
  local contentY = screenY
  local contentX = screenX
  local maxContentWidth = section.width
  local lines = {}
  
  local function formatHeading(text)
    local cleaned = text:gsub("^#+%s*", "")
    cleaned = cleaned:gsub("_", " ")
    cleaned = cleaned:gsub("(%a)([%w_']*)", function(first, rest)
      return first:upper() .. rest:lower()
    end)
    return cleaned
  end
  
  -- If section is hidden and not current, show placeholder
  local hidden = isHidden(section.title)
  if hidden and not isCurrent then
    local placeholder = "???"
    local centerX = contentX + math.floor((maxContentWidth - #placeholder) / 2)
    local centerY = contentY + math.floor(section.height / 2)
    buffer:write(centerX, centerY, placeholder, 30, 0, true)
    return
  end
  
  -- Preprocess content to filter removed links in list items
  local processedContent = filterRemovedSectionLinks(section.content)
  
  for line in processedContent:gmatch("[^\n]+") do
    if line:match("^#+%s") then
      table.insert(lines, {type = "heading", text = line})
    elseif line:match("^```") then
      table.insert(lines, {type = "code", text = line})
    else
      if line:match("%[.-%]%(.-%)") then
        table.insert(lines, {type = "text", text = line, hasLinks = true})
      else
        local wrapped = wrapText(line, maxContentWidth)
        for _, wLine in ipairs(wrapped) do
          table.insert(lines, {type = "text", text = wLine, hasLinks = false})
        end
      end
    end
  end
  
  for _, line in ipairs(lines) do
    if contentY >= screenY + section.height then break end
    if line.type == "heading" then
      local formatted = formatHeading(line.text)
      local displayText = (#formatted > maxContentWidth) and formatted:sub(1, maxContentWidth) or formatted
      buffer:write(contentX, contentY, displayText, 33, true)
    elseif line.type == "code" then
      buffer:write(contentX, contentY, line.text, 36, false)
    else
      if line.hasLinks then
        renderTextWithLinks(line.text, contentX, contentY, maxContentWidth, isCurrent)
      elseif line.text:match("%*%*") or line.text:match("%*[^%*]") or line.text:match("_[^_]+_") then
        renderInlineMarkdown(line.text, contentX, contentY, maxContentWidth, 37, false)
      else
        buffer:write(contentX, contentY, line.text, 37, false)
      end
    end
    contentY = contentY + 1
  end
  
  if isCurrent and #links == 0 then
    focusedLinkIdx = 0
  end
end

local function updateCamera(deltaTime)
  local t = math.min(1.0, deltaTime * SMOOTH_SPEED)
  camera.x = camera.x + (camera.targetX - camera.x) * t
  camera.y = camera.y + (camera.targetY - camera.y) * t
  if math.abs(camera.targetX - camera.x) < 0.5 then camera.x = camera.targetX end
  if math.abs(camera.targetY - camera.y) < 0.5 then camera.y = camera.targetY end
end

local function centerOnSection(sectionIdx)
  if sectionIdx < 0 or sectionIdx >= #sections then return end
  local section = sections[sectionIdx + 1]
  local viewport = getViewport()
  camera.targetX = section.x + section.width / 2 - viewport.width / 2
  camera.targetY = section.y + section.height / 2 - viewport.height / 2
end

local function navigateToLink(link)
  local targetSection = findSectionByReference(link.target)
  if targetSection then
    gotoSection(targetSection.index)
    currentSectionIdx = targetSection.index
    centerOnSection(currentSectionIdx)
    focusedLinkIdx = 0
    
    -- Mark new section as visited
    markVisited(targetSection.title)
    
    -- Check if target section should be removed after visit
    if targetSection.metadata and targetSection.metadata.removeAfterVisit then
      targetSection._pendingRemoval = true
    end
  end
end

function globalRender()
  buffer:clear()
  
  if viewportChanged() then
    centerOnSection(currentSectionIdx)
  end
  
  -- Mark current section as visited
  local currentSection = sections[currentSectionIdx + 1]
  if currentSection then
    markVisited(currentSection.title)
  end
  
  local viewport = getViewport()
  local cameraX, cameraY = math.floor(camera.x), math.floor(camera.y)
  
  for _, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if not isRemoved(section.title) then
      local screenX, screenY = section.x - cameraX, section.y - cameraY
      if screenX + section.width >= 0 and screenX < viewport.width and
         screenY + section.height >= 0 and screenY < viewport.height then
        renderSection(section, screenX, screenY, viewport)
      end
    end
  end
  
  local statusY = viewport.height - 1
  if statusY >= 0 and currentSection then
    local linkInfo = (#links > 0) and string.format(" | Arrows/Tab: cycle links (%d) | Enter: follow", #links) or ""
    local status = string.format(" %s%s | 1-9: jump to section | Q: quit ", 
                                currentSection.title, linkInfo)
    if #status > viewport.width then status = status:sub(1, viewport.width) end
    buffer:write(0, statusY, status, 30, false)
  end
end

function globalUpdate(dt)
  updateCamera(dt)
  
  -- Handle pending section removals
  for _, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section._pendingRemoval and section.index ~= currentSectionIdx then
      removeSection(section.title)
      section._pendingRemoval = nil
    end
  end
end

function globalHandleKey(key)
  if key.name == "enter" then
    if focusedLinkIdx > 0 and focusedLinkIdx <= #links then
      navigateToLink(links[focusedLinkIdx])
    end
  elseif key.name == "tab" then
    if #links > 0 then
      focusedLinkIdx = (focusedLinkIdx % #links) + 1
    end
  elseif key.char >= "1" and key.char <= "9" then
    local idx = tonumber(key.char) - 1
    if idx < #sections then
      gotoSection(idx)
      currentSectionIdx = idx
      centerOnSection(currentSectionIdx)
      focusedLinkIdx = 0
    end
  elseif key.name == "q" or key.name == "Q" then
    running = false
  end
end

function globalHandleArrow(direction)
  if direction == "up" then
    if #links > 0 then
      focusedLinkIdx = focusedLinkIdx - 1
      if focusedLinkIdx < 1 then
        focusedLinkIdx = #links
      end
    end
  elseif direction == "down" then
    if #links > 0 then
      focusedLinkIdx = (focusedLinkIdx % #links) + 1
    end
  end
end

function globalHandleShiftTab()
  if #links > 0 then
    focusedLinkIdx = focusedLinkIdx - 1
    if focusedLinkIdx < 1 then
      focusedLinkIdx = #links
    end
  end
end

function globalHandleMouse(event)
  if event.type == "down" then
    for _, link in ipairs(links) do
      if event.x >= link.screenX and event.x < link.screenX + link.width and
         event.y == link.screenY then
        navigateToLink(link)
        return
      end
    end
  elseif event.type == "move" then
    local oldFocus = focusedLinkIdx
    focusedLinkIdx = 0
    
    for _, link in ipairs(links) do
      if event.x >= link.screenX and event.x < link.screenX + link.width and
         event.y == link.screenY then
        focusedLinkIdx = link.index
        break
      end
    end
  end
end

function Canvas.init()
  local allSections = getAllSections()
  sections = {}
  for i = 1, #allSections do 
    table.insert(sections, allSections[i])
  end
  
  calculateSectionPositions()
  local current = getCurrentSection()
  currentSectionIdx = current.index
  
  -- Initialize section visibility based on metadata
  for i, section in ipairs(sections) do
    if section.metadata then
      if section.metadata.hidden then
        hideSection(section.title)
      end
    end
  end
  
  -- Mark starting section as visited
  if sections[currentSectionIdx + 1] then
    markVisited(sections[currentSectionIdx + 1].title)
  end
  
  centerOnSection(currentSectionIdx)
  camera.x, camera.y = camera.targetX, camera.targetY
  setMultiSectionMode(true)
  
  enableMouse()
end

-- Public API

function Canvas.hideSection(ref)
  local section = findSectionByReference(ref)
  if section then
    hideSection(section.title)
  end
end

function Canvas.removeSection(ref)
  local section = findSectionByReference(ref)
  if section then
    removeSection(section.title)
  end
end

function Canvas.restoreSection(ref)
  local section = findSectionByReference(ref)
  if section then
    restoreSection(section.title)
  end
end

function Canvas.isVisited(ref)
  local section = findSectionByReference(ref)
  if section then
    return isVisited(section.title)
  end
  return false
end

function Canvas.markVisited(ref)
  local section = findSectionByReference(ref)
  if section then
    markVisited(section.title)
  end
end

return Canvas

depths.md

title	author	minWidth	minHeight
The Depths of Khel-Daran	Maddest Labs	80	24

canvas = require("canvas")
canvas.init()

-- Track player state
storyState = {
  hasTorch = false,
  hasKey = false,
  hasAmulet = false,
  visitedLibrary = false,
  knowsRiddle = false,
  torchQuality = "dim"
}

entrance {"hidden": true}

You stand before the ancient ruins of Khel-Daran, a fortress swallowed by time and shadow. The stone archway before you exhales cold, stale air. Moss clings to the weathered pillars, and somewhere deep within, you hear the faint echo of water dripping.

Your torch flickers in the darkness. The adventure begins here.

What do you do?

• Enter the ruins
• Examine the entrance more carefully
• Light a better torch

entrance_examine {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You take a moment to inspect the entrance more carefully. Ancient runes are carved into the archway, worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain. You can barely make out what appears to be a warning:

"Beware the guardian of the depths. Only the wise may pass."

Beside the entrance, you notice an old iron sconce. It's empty, but appears functional.

• Enter the ruins
• Take the sconce
• Go back

prepare_torch {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You take time to properly prepare your torch, wrapping it with oil-soaked cloth from your pack. The flame burns brighter now, casting long shadows across the ancient stone.

You feel more confident with better light.

• Enter the ruins
• Return to the entrance

storyState.hasTorch = true
storyState.torchQuality = "bright"

hall_of_statues {"hidden": true}

You step into a vast hall supported by crumbling pillars. Three stone statues stand guard, each depicting a different warrior from a forgotten age. Their hollow eyes seem to follow you as you move.

Passages branch off in three directions:

• To the north, you hear the sound of rushing water
• To the east, a faint blue glow emanates from the darkness
• To the west, you smell something acrid and unpleasant

The main entrance lies behind you.

• Go north toward the water
• Go east toward the blue glow
• Go west toward the smell
• Examine the statues
• Return to entrance

examine_statues {"hidden": true}

You approach the statues carefully. Each warrior is carved in exquisite detail:

The first statue holds a sword pointed downward, its face serene.
The second statue clutches a shield, face twisted in rage.
The third statue bears a broken chain, face sorrowful.

At the base of the third statue, you notice something glinting in the torchlight.

• Take the glinting object
• Return to the hall

find_key {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You reach down and pick up a small, tarnished brass key. It's surprisingly heavy for its size, and covered in the same ancient runes you saw at the entrance.

This might unlock something important.

Return to the hall

storyState.hasKey = true

underground_river {"hidden": true}

The passage opens into a cavern split by a rushing underground river. The water is black as ink and moves with frightening speed. A narrow stone bridge crosses the chasm, but it looks ancient and unstable.

On the far side, you can see a doorway carved into the rock.

• Cross the bridge carefully
• Search for another way
• Return to the hall

cross_bridge {"hidden": true}

You step onto the stone bridge. It groans under your weight, and small chunks of stone crumble into the dark water below. Halfway across, you freeze as a loud CRACK echoes through the cavern.

But the bridge holds. Barely.

You make it to the other side, heart pounding.

• Enter the carved doorway
• Go back across (carefully)

search_riverbank {"hidden": true}

You search along the riverbank, looking for another way across. Behind a fallen column, you discover an old rope tied to an iron ring. Following it up, you see it leads to a natural rock shelf that crosses above the river.

A safer path, if you're willing to climb.

• Take the high route
• Just use the bridge
• Go back

crystal_chamber {"hidden": true}

You follow the blue glow into a chamber filled with luminescent crystals growing from the walls and ceiling. They pulse with an eerie inner light, casting everything in shades of azure and violet.

In the center of the room stands a stone pedestal. Resting atop it is a beautiful silver amulet, set with a matching blue crystal.

The chamber has two other exits: one to the north and one continuing east.

• Take the amulet
• Go north
• Continue east
• Return to the hall

take_amulet {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You reach for the amulet. The moment your fingers touch the cold silver, the crystals around you flare brilliantly. You feel a surge of warmth spread through your body.

The amulet pulses with protective magic.

• Go north
• Continue east
• Return to crystal chamber

storyState.hasAmulet = true

library {"hidden": true}

You enter what must have once been a library. Ancient books line rotting shelves, most crumbling to dust. In the center of the room, a single tome rests on a reading stand, somehow preserved.

You open the book. The pages are filled with riddles and wisdom of the ancients. One passage catches your eye:

"The guardian seeks not strength, but humility. The warrior who bows is greater than one who strikes."

• Study more of the book
• Go south
• Go back to the hall

storyState.visitedLibrary = true
storyState.knowsRiddle = true

alchemist_lab {"hidden": true}

The acrid smell leads you to an old laboratory. Broken glass and ceramic vessels litter the floor. Strange stains mark the walls. Whatever happened here, it wasn't pleasant.

Among the debris, you find a workbench with several intact bottles. One contains a glowing green liquid labeled "Essence of Light" in faded script.

• Take the essence
• Search the room more carefully
• Return to the hall

take_essence {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You carefully pocket the glowing essence. It feels warm through the glass.

This might prove useful.

• Search the room
• Return to the hall

storyState.hasEssence = true

search_lab {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

Searching more carefully, you find the alchemist's journal beneath some rubble. The final entry reads:

"My experiments with the guardian have failed. It cannot be destroyed, only understood. I leave this place to whatever fate awaits. May those who follow be wiser than I."

• Return to the laboratory
• Go to the hall

guardian_chamber {"hidden": true}

You enter a vast circular chamber. At its center stands a towering figure of living stone—the Guardian of Khel-Daran. Its eyes glow with ancient intelligence.

The Guardian speaks, its voice like grinding boulders:

"Who dares disturb my eternal vigil? Prove your worth, or be destroyed!"

Three pedestals surround the guardian, each marked with a symbol: Sword, Shield, and Chains.

• Place an offering on the Sword pedestal
• Place an offering on the Shield pedestal
• Place an offering on the Chains pedestal
• Attack the guardian
• Try to reason with the guardian

guardian_attack {"hidden": true}

You draw your weapon and charge at the stone guardian. It doesn't even move.

Your blade strikes the living stone and shatters. The guardian's fist comes down like a falling boulder. Everything goes dark.

Perhaps violence wasn't the answer.

• Try again?

guardian_reason {"hidden": true}

You lower your weapon and address the guardian with respect:

"I seek not to conquer, but to understand. I come in peace."

The guardian tilts its massive head, considering. Then it speaks:

"Wisdom... rare among your kind. But words alone are insufficient. Show me you understand the truth of strength."

• Place something on a pedestal

guardian_fail {"hidden": true}

You place your offering on the pedestal. The guardian's eyes flare angry red.

"You understand nothing! Strength and defense are the tools of the proud. True power lies in freedom and sacrifice!"

The chamber begins to shake violently.

• Run back
• Try a different pedestal

guardian_success {"hidden": true}

You approach the pedestal marked with broken chains and bow your head. The gesture of humility and understanding resonates through the chamber.

The guardian's eyes shift from threatening red to a calm golden glow.

"You comprehend the ancient wisdom. Strength is nothing without the wisdom to bind it. You may pass."

The guardian steps aside, revealing a passage to the Treasure Vault.

• Enter the vault

if storyState.knowsRiddle then
  -- Player read the library book
end

treasure_vault {"hidden": true}

You enter the fabled treasure vault of Khel-Daran. Gold coins spill across the floor, gems glitter in the light of your torch, and ancient weapons line the walls.

But your eyes are drawn to the center of the room, where a magnificent sword rests on an altar, bathed in a beam of light from above. This is the legendary Blade of Khel-Daran, said to have defended these lands centuries ago.

The inscription on the altar reads: "To those who brave the depths with wisdom and courage, this is your reward."

Congratulations! You have completed the adventure!

• Take the sword and leave
• Explore the vault more
• Return to the guardian

victory {"hidden": true}

You lift the Blade of Khel-Daran from its altar. The weapon feels perfectly balanced in your hand, and seems to hum with ancient power.

As you make your way back through the dungeon, you notice the guardian watching you with what might be... respect? The stone colossus bows its head slightly as you pass.

Emerging into the daylight, you shield your eyes against the sun. The ruins of Khel-Daran stand behind you, their secrets revealed.

Your adventure is complete! You are victorious!

The legend of Khel-Daran will be told for generations.

Explore more endings?

take_sconce {"hidden": true, "removeAfterVisit": true}

You remove the iron sconce from the wall. It's heavier than it looks and has a wicked pointed end. In a pinch, this could serve as a makeshift weapon.

Might be useful in the dark.

• Continue to the ruins
• Go back

storyState.hasWeapon = true