Starting dialogue from Main Case 6: Deal with the Devil

 

Context:

The main character (Charles Reed) wakes up at a hospital after losing consciousness. This happened as he was trying to rescue a kidnapped researcher called Harriet Dough from an underwater dig site that revealed an ancient temple. While there, he also discovered a strange object that Harriet Dough called "a Seal", and instructed him to make sure it is delivered to the surface safely.

 

Upon waking up, the main character doesn't know what exactly happened, but sees his local contact already at the hospital.

 

Charles Reed: What are you doing here, Johannes?

 

Johannes van der Berg: You have quite a knack for asking the wrong questions, Mr. Reed!

I'm here because I heard you were admitted. You don't seem the frail sort, so my interest was piqued.

 

——

 

Player choice.

 

>[How did I get here?]

Charles Reed: Last I remember, I was underwater…

 

Johannes van der Berg: Consider yourself lucky. That's not the best place to be unconscious.

 

>[I feel fine.]

Charles Reed: I'm doing okay. One mother of a headache, though.

 

Johannes van der Berg: Well, I can't say I'm surprised, given you arrived unconscious!

 

——

 

Johannes van der Berg: I'd wager you'd had a drink too many, were it not for the scratches. What exactly were you doing underwater?

 

——

 

Player choice.

 

>[None of your business.]

Charles Reed: You don't need to know.

 

Johannes van der Berg: How rude. But I suppose I should expect no less. "Oakmont keeps its mouth shut", as they say.

 

>[I was at a temple.]

Charles Reed: There was this ancient temple, down there. It was… wrong, Johannes. A horror show.

 

Johannes van der Berg: It's all right, I believe you. I won't ask you to relive it just yet.

 

——

 

Several options are available, both need to be taken to progress the dialogue.

 

>[Where is Harriet?]

Charles Reed: Please, what happened to Harriet Dough? Where is she?

 

Johannes van der Berg: Ah, she's right here at the hospital! In the morgue.

 

Johannes van der Berg: They fished her out of the Calmshore Marina earlier today. A pity. I always thought she was a strong swimmer.

 

Charles Reed: But how? I made sure she-

 

Johannes van der Berg: Made sure? Mr. Reed, when confronted by the true horrors of this city, you couldn't even stay conscious. And now we are here.

 

>[Where are my belongings?]

Charles Reed: What happened to my things? I need to find them.

 

Johannes van der Berg: Mr. Reed, do you take me for a hospital employee?

 

Charles Reed: I… I guess not. Apologies.

 

Johannes van der Berg: Although… This wouldn't happen to be about a certain Seal, would it?

 

——

 

Player choice.

 

>[You know about the Seal?]

Charles Reed: How do you know about it?

 

Johannes van der Berg: Mr. Reed, there are plenty of things you do not yet know. Luckily, I want you to succeed.

 

>[Yes…]

Charles Reed: In fact, it is.

 

Johannes van der Berg: Splendid. Well, fear not, Mr. Reed. I'm very much invested in your success.

 

——

 

Johannes van der Berg: Perhaps it has been misplaced? You may wish to return to where you were found. If I were you, I'd inquire with the staff as to where that was.

 

——

 

Player choice.

 

>[Stop playing coy!]
Charles Reed: I'm not taking advice from a man who won't give me a straight answer. What's your stake in all this?!

 

Johannes van der Berg: A little civility goes a long way, Mr. Reed. I'll see myself out.

 

Charles Reed: You're not leaving until I get my answers!

 

Johannes van der Berg: Be very careful. That kind of tone merits a lesson… But not today.

 

Johannes van der Berg: Once you're found the Seal, come find me at my theater. Here's the address. Perhaps, I will answer your questions then! Farewell.

 

End of dialogue.

>[Level with me.]

Charles Reed: Johannes, be straight with me. How do you know about the Seal?

 

Johannes van der Berg: What can I say, acquiring information is something of a hobby of mine. Wasn't that how you and I first met?

 

Johannes van der Berg: In any event, when you've recovered the Seal, come find me at my theater. I will have a plan of action ready. Here's the address. Farewell.

 

End of dialogue.