We're experimenting with the endings. Yeah, I know it's a combat demo, but it does have some choices and we thought it would be nice to have some final words. I wrote something quick and lulzy, which was criticized and rejected. Then I woke up Gareth and here is what we came up with:
This is 1 out of 14 (if you count all options) endings:
* * *
The arena champion stumbles backwards, sword falling from his hands as he tries to stop the blood gushing from his wound. His eyes lose focus and he falls slowly to the sand. You are the champion now. Twenty people who fought against you paid for your new title with their lives. Not bad, all things considered. Some people kill a lot more and end up with a lot less.
The Arena Master greets you with a wide smile. It better be sincere. The fucker made a fortune on you.
"I have received two job offers for you." Charging for his services, no doubt. "Lord Antidas would like to offer you Dellar's job. You'll be his right hand man, in charge of mercenaries and 'special projects', undoubtedly involving killing Gaelius' people. Teron is a shithole, of course, but the post is important. "
You consider this prospect as he continues.
"Lord Gaelius wants you to join his praetorian guards. It’s a modest position, but House Aurelian is the most powerful House. The future belongs to them, so it might be unwise to bet on the underdog. "
A praetorian guard? You, the Champion of the fucking Arena? He's gotta be fucking kidding. It's almost an insult. What did one of the dead Emperors say? "I'd rather be first in command of a village than second in the capital city." Teron it is then.
You return to the inn, order a round of drinks just to get people off your back, and go upstairs. Before you have a chance to take off your armor, the Imperial Guards open the door with a kick. Right, you killed Carbo, their captain. You almost forgot, but they sure didn't. You have to pay for everything in this life, even when you do nothing wrong.
You have two options: fight six veteran soldiers or escape through the window. Neither option fits into your definition of a "good idea", but the window offers better odds. Before the guards realize what's happening, you are already outside, sliding down the roof. You land softly on your feet and disappear into the crowd. Several guards are sent after you, but they don't return.
A week later you arrive to Teron. The old man has problems with the Imperial Guards. Who doesn't these day? What's that saying? "Do unto others before they do it unto you." Looks like you will be busy for awhile...
* * *
Anyway, I thought about using this "storytelling" style for the game. You play the game and then read a short story about your adventures and choices you've made.
Btw, here is a really short ending.
* * *
You try to get up, but you can't. The puddle of blood around you is getting bigger. You know what it means, but you refuse to believe it. It can't end like this. You try to say something, but almost choke on the blood and pass out.
Later on the slaves pick up your body and drag it to the dump. You're still alive when they throw your body into a large pile of rotting corpses and waste - your final resting place. The smell is nauseating. You start praying for a merciful death, but the gods are busy and you have to wait for hours until your wish is granted.
* * *
Then Oscar decided to attach each paragraph to a screen. Work in progress, of course. Suggestions in regard to the font and presentation are welcome.
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