You rip open the wrapper, shoving the entire candy bar into your mouth. Instantly you can feel the sugar rush hit your bloodstream. Walking is for suckers, you're ready to run! You take off like a track start. At this pace, you'll be at the concert in no time!
It turns out you are not a track star. After only a few blocks, your stomach begins to cramp. You try and power through the pain, but it keeps getting worse. You're seeing stars, and you're starting to sweat, and your guts seems to be trying to turn themselves inside out. You double over in pain, crying for your mommy. You never could handle a tummy ache.
You're dizzy and nauseous. You lie on the side of the road for hours, and you miss the concert.
GAME OVER.
[[Play again?|Intro]]
(set:$DiedByCandyBar to true)<h1>THE CONCERT</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "The Concert":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🎤</div>
<audio
controls src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/01%20[Intro]%20The%20Concert.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/01%20[Intro]%20The%20Concert.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎸</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You've been waiting for months, but the time has finally arrived. Tonight you're going to see your favorite band, These Stains Are Who I Am, live in concert! You've got your ticket, though you can't help but feel like something is missing. Suddenly you remember: your favorite These Stains t-shirt is still inside! The bus downtown is about to arrive, you need to head to the bus stop now. But you can’t leave your shirt behind, can you?//
What do you do?
[[👕 Go back for the shirt|Shirt]]
[[🚍 Continue to the bus stop|Bus]]
\(set:$HasCandyBar to false)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Friday night, 6pm
Getting ready, got a plan
Bought my ticket months ago
Now it's time to see the show
I've been waiting for this day
To hear my favorite band
Nothing will stand in my way
To see These Stains Are Who I Am
I check the time, late for the bus
Take a deep breath, no need to rush
What'd I forget, don't really know
Ticket's in my hand, I've got to go
As I'm running down the stairs
My heart begins to burst
I remember what's back there
My fave These Stains t-shirt]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>STARS ALIGN</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Stars Align":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🚍</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/03%20[Bus]%20Stars%20Align.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/03%20[Bus]%20Stars%20Align.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">⭐️</div>
<div>
</figure>
//You caught the bus, having sacrificed the chance to get your t-shirt signed. It's a bad start to the night, but hope is not lost! You settle into your seat and look out the window, gazing at the buildings and blurring lights. You put on your headphones and look for the perfect song to get you back in the zone.//
What do you listen to?
[[🏆 Heavy metal|Metal]]
[[🧔 Indie folk|Folk]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Waiting on the corner
Bummed my t-shirt won't get signed
Can't sit and mope here
'Cause my bus has just arrived
And I’ve been waiting all my life
Many stops to go, slip away
Like the blurring lights outside
Things don't always go my way
But tonight the stars align
Sit towards the back
And I put my headphones on
Need to stay on track
Gotta find that perfect song
‘Cause I’ve been waiting oh so long
Many stops to go, slip away
Like the blurring lights outside
Things don't always go my way
But tonight the stars align]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div>
<h1>MY SHIRT</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "My Shirt":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👕</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/02%20[Shirt]%20My%20Shirt.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/02%20[Shirt]%20My%20Shirt.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🤘</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You (t8n:"shudder")+(t8n-time:3s)[tear apart] your bedroom looking for your These Stains t-shirt. Of course it's in the last place you look, folded neatly in a pile of clean laundry. You put on the shirt and swing through the kitchen for a snack before you leave, grabbing a candy bar out of the pantry. You run to the bus stop just to watch the tail lights fade in the distance. Guess you'll have to walk. As you pass a nearby store, you see something rustling in a dumpster... what could it be?//
What do you do?
[[🗑 Approach the dumpster|Dumpster]]
[[👟 Continue walking|Walking]]
\(set:$HasCandyBar to true)
\(set:$HasRaccoonBlessing to false)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I dart upstairs into my room
Tear apart my dresser drawers
Looks like a bomb has gone KABOOM
All my clothes are on the floor
I'm not leaving without my shirt
I'm not leaving without my god damn shirt
I run downstairs and check the laundry
Precious stains are washed away
Grab some candy from the kitchen pantry
Now I have to run and pray
But I'm leaving with my shirt
But I'm leaving with my god damn shirt
I missed the bus, I have to walk
Public transit can kiss my ass
A block away I see a dumpster
Something feasting in the trash
Is it looking at my shirt
Is it looking at my god damn shirt]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>REACH YOUR GRAIL</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Reach Your Grail":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🏆</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/04%20[Metal]%20Reach%20Your%20Grail.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/04%20[Metal]%20Reach%20Your%20Grail.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🔥</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You pick a metal song with chugging guitars and pounding drums. You (t8n: "rumble")+(t8n-time:3s)[bang] your head to the beat from the back of the bus. You see yourself charging across the battlefield, ready to cut down any foes in your path. Awake and focused, you step off the bus right at the venue! //
[[⏱ Get in line|Venue, Early]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Wading through the putrid pools decay is all around
Visceral fatalities in piles on the ground
Left and right and left and right your legs will go no more
Quickly while your lungs still burn before they close the door
Blistering heat burns your back. Can you carry on?
Dashing down the killing plains, another automaton
Ford the fields, fast your will, till’ you see the white of their eyes
Crack their bones, break their nerve, listen to their cries
Can you reach your grail?
Through the fire and the hail
Can you reach your grail?
Through the fire and the hail]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>LULLABY, GOODBYE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Lullaby, Goodbye":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🧔</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/05%20[Folk]%20Lullaby,%20Goodbye.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/05%20[Folk]%20Lullaby,%20Goodbye.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🐑</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You pick a soothing indie-folk song to calm your nerves. You can feel yourself transported to a cozy log cabin in the wintery woods, sitting by the fire... and soon enough, you've fallen asleep. The bus driver (t8n:"rumble")+(t8n-time:3s)[shakes you awake]. You've missed your stop, and the bus is going out of service. Looks like you'll have to walk back to the venue.//
[[👟 Start walking|Walking]]
\(set:$HasRaccoonBlessing to false)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Bearded man, acoustic guitar
Fall asleep in my warm arms
Fireplace, coals burning low
Under the covers, head on your pillow
Lullabye, goodbye
(goodbye, goodbye)
Lullabye, goodbye
Lullabye, goodbye
Hey kid, wake up, it's the end of the line
You gotta get off the bus]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>DESIRE IN YOUR EYES</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Desire In Your Eyes":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🗑</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/06%20[Dumpster]%20Desire%20In%20Your%20Eyes.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/06%20[Dumpster]%20Desire%20In%20Your%20Eyes.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">😍</div>
<div>
</figure>
//You investigate the creature in the dumpster, and discover it's a (t8n:"fade-up")+(t8n-time:3s)[raccoon]! You lock eyes and your heart melts. You've always wanted a pet, and it seems like you've made an instant connection. Then you remember the candy bar in your pocket... Does it just want a non-rancid treat, or could there be a deeper connection?//
What do you do?
[[🦝 Pet the raccoon|Pet END]]
[[🍫 Give it the candy bar|Candy]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Come in closer, no need to be afraid
Get out of the dumpster, let’s end this masquerade
When I see your face under the moon
My heart starts to race 'cause you’re a raccoon
The desire in your eyes
Are you looking right through me
The desire in your eyes
Do you think you can fool me
Should I risk an embrace, could this love go far
Or vanish with no trace, once you get my candy bar
But I feel the spark, creature of the night
Now It’s getting dark, will you be my light]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>FAST ENOUGH</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Fast Enough":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👟</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/09%20[Walking]%20Fast%20Enough.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/09%20[Walking]%20Fast%20Enough.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🕺</div>
</div>
</figure>
//(if:$HasCandyBar is true)
[You adopt a (t8n:"fade-right")+(t8n-time:2s)[power walking stance], taking big strides to a rhythm in your head. As sweat begins to bead on your brow, you check the time. Maybe walking won't be enough. You remember the candy bar in your pocket, packed with sugar to supercharge your pace. You also consider trying your hand at hitchhiking. At least one of these passing cars has to be going to the concert!]
\(else:)
[You adopt a (t8n:"fade-right")+(t8n-time:2s)[power walking stance], taking big strides to a rhythm in your head. As sweat begins to bead on your brow, you check the time. Maybe walking won't be enough. You're in no shape to run, you're nearly out of breath just from the walk. So you consider trying your hand at hitchhiking instead. At least one of these passing cars has to be going to the concert!]//
What do you do?
(if:$HasCandyBar is true)[[🏃 Eat the candy bar|Running END]]
(if:$HasRaccoonBlessing is true)[[[👍 Try hitchhiking|Hitchhiking]]]
\(else:)[[[👍 Try hitchhiking|Hitchhiking 2]]]
[[⏱ Keep walking|Venue, Late]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Step step stepping on down the street
Going to the show gotta beat those feet
Moving so fast I can feel the heat
Streetlights flashing in time with the beat
Gettin’ everybody out of their seats
Am I going fast enough
‘Cause I wanna be on time
Am I going fast enough
I keep wishing but life keeps dishing
So I’m missing all the rhythm and rhyme
I wanna be on time
Hands are spinning don’t wanna be late
Going too slow gotta up my gait
All this walking was a big mistake
Gotta make a move, can’t hesitate
It’s time for a leap of faith
Am I going fast enough
Cause I wanna be on time
Am I going fast enough
I keep wishing but life keeps dishing
So I’m missing all the rhythm and rhyme
I wanna be on time]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>SUGAR</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Sugar":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🍫</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/08%20[Candy]%20Sugar.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/08%20[Candy]%20Sugar.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🍬</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You come to your senses, realizing that a wild animal is no pet. You toss the raccoon your candy bar, and it happily scurries off into a bush to consume it. Holding back tears, you resolve to come back for the raccoon another day. Having wasted enough time, you set off on foot; there's still a chance you'll get to the concert!//
[[👟 Continue walking|Walking]]
\(set:$HasCandyBar to false)
\(set:$HasRaccoonBlessing to true)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[My mama told me that love is blind
But I swore love could see when I looked in your eyes
My mama also told me that I was a fool
And I proved her right as I watched you drool for my
Candy
Sweet sweet sugar, all you wanted was my
Candy
Gave you some sugar, then you were gone
I tossed the candy bar into the air
You snatched it up and skittered off without a care
I held back the tears as I turned away
I'll come back to find you another day with more
Candy
Sweet sweet sugar, all you wanted was my
Candy
Gave you some sugar, then you were gone]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>IN THE DUMPSTER</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "In The Dumpster":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🦝</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/07%20[Pet END]%20In%20The%20Dumpster.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/07%20[Pet END]%20In%20The%20Dumpster.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">💩</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You reach out a hand to pet the raccoon. Immediately it begins hissing and frothing at the mouth. That's no potential pet, that's a rabid beast! It begins snapping and scratching at you, so you hide in the only place you can: the dumpster. You shut the lid, surrounded by filth and stink, trapped all night.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Dumpster]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I take one step forward but it's two steps back
I just wanted a new friend, now I'm getting attacked
Bites on my legs, scratches on my arms
Climb into the trash to escape from harm
Now I'm right where I belong
Guess that I was in the dumpster all along
I hear the raccoon prowling, so I can't get out
No one coming to help me, can't hear me scream and shout
It stinks so bad that I'm gonna choke
Stuck here all night and I’ll miss the show
But I'm right where I belong
Guess that I was in the dumpster all along
Game over, game over
In the dumpster all along]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>I'M EARLY</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "I'm Early":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">⏱</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/10%20[Venue,%20Early]%20Early.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/10%20[Venue,%20Early]%20Early.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎟</div>
</div>
</figure>
//Having achieved your goal, you proudly take up your place in line. You check the time, and it turns out you're quite early! As the minutes pass, your excitement quickly fades into boredom. Your stomach lets out a (t8n:"shudder")+(t8n-time:2s)[loud growl], so loud the man behind you in line hears it. He commiserates, offering to buy food for the both of you if you go pick it up. He promises to hold your spot in line. //
What do you do?
[[🍟 Go pick up the food|Errand]]
[[⏱ Stay in line|Fight]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Step off the bus as light as the evening breeze
I made it to the concert hall, my heart’s a-flutter, I’m weak in the knees
Compose myself, take my place in the queue
Excitement turns to boredom, I don’t know what to do
I’m early, so early
I’m early, so bored
To make things worse my empty stomach begins to rumble
Should have grabbed a snack at home, now my patience is starting to crumble
The man next to me hears, says “I’m hungry too
I’ll hold your spot in line if you go pick us up some food”
I’m hungry, so hungry
He’s buying, should I go]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>SPARK OF HOPE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Spark Of Hope":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👍</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/13%20[Hitchhiking]%20Spark%20Of%20Hope%20(Teens).mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/13%20[Hitchhiking]%20Spark%20Of%20Hope%20(Teens).mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">⚡️</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You don't really know how to hitchhike, but you've seen it done in movies. You walk backwards and hold out your thumb, waiting for a car to pull over. A long time goes by, but finally a car stops for you. It's an old sedan packed with teenagers older than yourself. You're intimidated by their appearance, but they say they're going to the concert, too. They offer you a ride.//
What do you do?
[[🚘 Get in the car|Teens]]
[[⏱ Continue walking|Venue, Late]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Walking down that lonesome road
Streetlight behind to guide me home
I turn away, back towards the dark
Thumb held high, waiting on that spark of hope
Spark of hope
Dust devils wind and tumbleweeds roll
Vultures circle high, my spirit sinking low
Then a single car slows to a park
Flashes the headlights, lighting up my spark of hope
Spark of hope
Spark of hope
Spark of hope
A beat-up sedan with peeling gray paint skids to a stop beside me. The windows down, I see four teenagers with colored hair, beanie hats, and trendy vintage clothes. A stale, skunky aroma with hints of nacho chip dust wafts on the evening breeze. They stare at me for a second with a mix of pity and curiosity, before the skinny guy in the driver's seat asks, "need a lift?" "I'm going to the concert," I say, and the girl in the back stoically responds, "dope, hop in." Is this a happy coincidence, or another distraction on my quest?]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>FASTER! FASTER!</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Faster! Faster!":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🏃</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/11%20[Running END]%20Faster!%20Faster!.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/11%20[Running END]%20Faster!%20Faster!.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🤢</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You bite into the candy bar, and the second the sugar hits your bloodstream, you're ready to run! You take off as fast as your feet can take you. However, you don't get very far before you start to feel dizzy and nauseous. Maybe candy isn't great running fuel... You collapse on the ground, about to be sick, crying for your mother.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Walking]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Feel the sugar coursing through my veins
I’m a rocket through the Milky Way
I’ll keep on running right through the pain
Got me feeling like a Hundred Grand
I’ll keep running all across the land
I’m determined to see my favorite band
Faster faster, running through the night
Faster faster, I will win the fight
Faster faster, gonna lose control
Faster faster, ‘til I’m gonna blow
I’ve got the courage, I’ve got the grit
I’ve got a cramp, Take 5 and sit
No! I’ll power through, I’m not gonna quit
Feeling dizzy, world’s spinning round
Haven’t even made it into town
Hear Snickers in my head as I fall down
Faster faster, running through the night
Faster faster, I will win the fight
Faster faster, gonna lose control
Faster faster, ‘til I’m gonna blow
Oh no, I think I’m gonna blow
Game over man, game over
Here it comes, blep
Mommy…]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>RUSTY VOLVO</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Rusty Volvo":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🚘</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/18%20[Teens]%20Rusty%20Volvo.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/18%20[Teens]%20Rusty%20Volvo.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">😎</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You get in the car with the edgy teens, and they immediately begin telling you their whole deal. School sucks, parents suck, everything sucks except one thing: their favorite band, (t8n:"pulse")+(t8n-time:3s)[These Stains Are Who I Am]. They ask if you've heard of them. Now's your chance to show how cool you are!//
What do you do?
[[👨💼 Tell them about your mom's new boyfriend|Mom]]
\(if:$HasRaccoonBlessing is true)[
[[🦝 Tell them about your raccoon encounter|Bonding]]]
\(else:)[
[[🔥 ⚔️ 2️⃣ Tell them you love Firesword 2 |Bonding]]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[We hate our parents, driving us insane
We hate our school, putting junk in our brains
Teen-age sucks and growing up is so damn hard
At least we can borrow my step dad's car
We ain’t got shit, we got no dough
So we just drive around in this rusty Volvo
We don’t have jobs, we won’t go home
So we just drive around in this rusty Volvo
We hate the preps, nerds, and jocks all the same
The only thing we really like is a band called These Stains
Have you heard their stuff and which song do you like best
Prove that you’re cool, more real than the rest
We ain’t got shit, we got no dough
So we just drive around in this rusty Volvo
We don’t have jobs, we won’t go home
So we just drive around in this rusty Volvo]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>THE COUNTING SONG</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "The Counting Song":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👶</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/16%20[Family%20END]%20The%20Counting%20Song.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/16%20[Family%20END]%20The%20Counting%20Song.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🔢</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//The family was certainly going to a concert, just not the right one... You end up at the local library's children's night. Snotty kids and screaming babies surround you. A performer begins to sing a vapid yet menacing song, ostensibly trying to teach the kids their numbers. You're stranded there, confused and annoyed, but at least you got a refresher on how to count to nine.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Hitchhiking 2]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[One, two, three fluffy clouds in the sky
Four, five, six pretty birds flying high
Today’s a seven, just like heaven
Tomorrow’s an eight, it’s gonna be great
And do you know what comes next, it’s mighty fine
It’s number nine!
Alright kids, count along this time!
One, two, three are the chances you get
Four, five, six, all good fortune is spent
Unlucky seven, have you learned your lesson
Hateful eight, now you’ve sealed your fate
And do you know what comes next, it’s not so fine
(Nine!) No Jeremy, not that.
It’s game over.
Everybody!
One, two, three fluffy clouds in the sky
Four, five, six pretty birds flying high
One, two, three are the chances you get
Four, five, six, all good fortune is spent]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>THIS COULD BE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "This Could Be":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">😊</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/22%20[Bonding]%20This%20Could%20Be.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/22%20[Bonding]%20This%20Could%20Be.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🤝</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//(if:$HasRaccoonBlessing is true)
[You tell the teens about how you almost got a raccoon for a pet, just like in the These Stains song "My Dog Ran Away (And I Am, Too)." They're amazed by your bravery, and they start telling you all kinds of crazy stories. It looks like you're becoming great friends! But then one of the teens pulls out a joint and offers you a hit. You're scared because you've never done drugs before, but you want to seem cool.]
\(else:)
[You start listing off all your favorite These Stains songs, starting with "The Raccoon King" from Firesword 2. You get to discussing the lore of Firesword, and the time starts to fly by. It looks like you're becoming great friends! But then one of the teens pulls out a joint and offers you a hit. You're scared because you've never done drugs before, but you want to seem cool.]
//
What do you do?
[[🌿 Do drugs|Drugs]]
[[🚭 Say no to drugs|DARE END]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[When I first got in the car, y’know I was so scared
But it wasn’t the hip clothes, the crazy piercings, or their colored hair
I thought that they would judge me, call me lame or think I’m nuts
And if they saw the real me then they’d leave me in the dust
Or maybe this could be
Will they be friends with me
They really seem to like me, yeah we could talk all night
Then one pulls out a joint and asks me, “hey kid do you have a light”?
I fumble in my pockets, I can’t seem like a narc
My bright and shiny future is quickly growing dark
Or maybe this could be
The first time I try weed]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>MY NEW DAD</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "My New Dad":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👨💼</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/26%20[Mom]%20My%20New%20Dad.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/26%20[Mom]%20My%20New%20Dad.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🤠</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You decide to tell the teens about your mom's new boyfriend. You think it sounds like the plot of "My Wife's Boyfriend" by These Stains, but it just comes off as sad. It bums out everyone in the car, silencing the lively conversation. They don't kick you out of the car, but you spend the rest of the ride staring out the window. After the most awkward silence of your life, you make it to the concert.//
[[🤘 Enter the venue|Venue, On Time]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Well my mom’s got herself a new man and he really sucks
He’s got an office job, wears khaki pants, and doesn’t drive a pickup truck
He won’t eat red meat, says he’s worried ‘bout cholesterol
He drinks fancy wine from Europe and he doesn’t want to watch football
Oh she loves him so, but I just don’t know
How do I connect with my new dad?
How do I form a bond of mutual respect with my new dad
Show some vulnerability, no toxic masculinity
I want a positive male role model so bad
In my new dad
I’m met with silence, and I’m worried that I’ve said too much
Guess I came on way too hard, should’ve used a softer touch
The girl in the backseat sighs and says her folks’ divorce was rough
The driver cranks up the radio, I guess he’s had enough
I’m a little sad, but I just want to connect with my new dad]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>THESE STAINS ARE WHO WE ARE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "These Stains Are Who We Are":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🤘</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/29%20[Venue,%20On%20Time]%20These%20Stains%20Are%20Who%20We%20Are.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/29%20[Venue,%20On%20Time]%20These%20Stains%20Are%20Who%20We%20Are.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎉</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You can hardly believe it, but you made it to the show on time! You enter the venue, find the perfect spot, and start to cheer. Soon enough, the band comes out and starts to play an incredible set with all your favorite songs. As the night goes on you feel that you, the band, and the crowd are all one: These Stains are who you are.//
You made it to the concert! YOU WIN!
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
\(if: (visited:"Running END")
and(visited:"Family END")
and(visited:"Pet END")
and(visited:"DARE END")
and(visited:"Punched END")
and(visited:"Club END")
and(visited:"Drugs")
and(visited:"Jail END"))[
[[🎁 BONUS: Listen to the encore!|Band]]
]
(else:)[
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages. You still have paths to take before unlocking the secret bonus song!]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I can’t believe my luck, I made it to the show alright
Some crazy stuff has happened, but now it’s time to rock all night
These stains are who I am
These stains are who we are
These stains are the friends we made along the way
These stains are who I am
These stains are who we are
These stains let us know that everything’s ok
These stains are who I am
These stains are who we are
These stains remind us tomorrow’s a new day
These stains are who I am
These stains are who we are
These stains are here and will never go away]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>ENCORE! ENCORE!</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "These Stains Are Who I Am":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🎁</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/30%20[Band]%20These%20Stains%20Are%20Who%20I%20Am.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/30%20[Band]%20These%20Stains%20Are%20Who%20I%20Am.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎊</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//Tonight was the night of your dreams. You made some new friends, saw a raccoon, ate a greasy burger, and most importantly got to rock out to These Stains Are Who I Am. Just when you think the night is coming to an end, the band comes back on stage for a surprise double encore! They begin playing a deep cut that resonates very closely with you, and it sounds so much better than you remember it.//
//When the song ends, the band tosses a few VIP passes out into the crowd and says to meet them backstage. One is heading right towards you, and the lanyard opens up to fall gently around your head. Looks like you'll even be getting your t-shirt signed! Truly this is the greatest night of your life.//
Thanks for playing/listening to "The Concert!" You're the real VIP for making it here, so here's a little something for you: use promo code ''THECONCERTVIP'' to get 50% off of "The Concert" or any of our other music on <a href="https://thesestainsarewhoiam.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">Bandcamp</a>. Be sure to <a href="https://linktr.ee/thesestains" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">follow us</a> so you won't miss the next crazy thing we do.
❤️,
Andrew and Ben
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
<br/><br/>
\<div class="flex">
\<iframe style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1691275205/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://thesestainsarewhoiam.bandcamp.com/album/the-concert-an-interactive-aural-odyssey">The Concert: An Interactive Aural Odyssey by These Stains Are Who I Am</a></iframe>
\<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4pb3bayzpGy3fxuYGhAmZl?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
\</div>\
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>THE BURDEN OF INNOCENCE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "The Burden Of Innocence":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🌿</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/27%20%5bDrugs%5d%20The%20Burden%20of%20Innocence.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/27%20%5bDrugs%5d%20The%20Burden%20of%20Innocence.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">😇</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You take a big hit off the joint, hold in the smoke, and (t8n:"fade-right")+(t8n-time:2s)[exhale]. You're nervous, worried you might lose your mind. But slowly a sense of calm washes over you: you think you're high! You see how, when used responsibly and in moderation, marijuana can be a safe and positive experience. You crack jokes and giggle with the teens all the way to the venue. You arrive just as the doors open, still pleasantly buzzed and ready to enjoy the show.//
[[🤘 Enter the venue|Venue, On Time]]
\(set:$HasDrugsBlessing to true)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Pieces of me are broken, made better
Fractured, whole, one hit, all it takes
Heavy, blurred vision, feeling colors
All synapses fire on overdrive
Did I inhale right,lungs are hot cinders
Smoke and vapor waft in the air
Reverberations, my soul echoes
Reality schisms, I think I’m high
I think I’m high
My mind was caged, shattered the bars
Canary flew the coal mine
Shouldered the weight, now I stand tall
Free from the burden of innocence]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>STAYIN' CLEAN</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Stayin' Clean":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🚭</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/25%20[DARE%20END]%20Stayin'%20Clean.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/25%20[DARE%20END]%20Stayin'%20Clean.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🇺🇸</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You remember all of the anti-drug propaganda you learned in school. What you thought was knowledge turns out to mostly be ignorance. The teens try to provide some facts and nuance about "Reefer Madness" and the government's dirty past with drugs. But you're not gonna let facts get in the way of your feelings! Ultimately the teens decide that you're not worth the trouble and kick you out of the car, leaving you stranded across town. At least you're still drug-free.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Bonding]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Uh oh, some older kids are offering me drugs
Luckily I know what to do
I’ve been taught to avoid peer pressure
To keep my mind pure and my body fresher
Smoking or vaping it’s all the same
Staying clean is the name of the game
Don’t you want to be cool and have lots of friends
Open up your mind, you’re gonna transcend
Cannabis can treat your anxiety
And health issues that are inflammatory
Smoke is terrible for your lungs
And marijuana makes you smell like dung
And reefer’s just a gateway drug
To doing crimes like a common thug
It’s actually legal for recreation
And we’re all about decriminalization
We support expunging records
Of all non-violent drug offenders
I've been scared straight cause I'm a good kid
Don’t wanna go to jail or end up on the skids
I’ll say “NO” and I’ll say it loud
‘Cause I wanna make my Uncle Sam proud
Instead of THC let’s talk CIA
Selling drugs, running guns South America way
Destabilizing governments and poor communities
You really think the USA deserves impunity
I didn’t learn that in history class
You must be lying out of your a**
I said no politely but you won’t stop
Now I’m gonna have to call the cops
That’s enough, get out of my car
I tried being nice but you’re too bizarre
Game over kid, you’re way across town
Good luck getting to the concert now]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>SPARK OF HOPE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Spark Of Hope":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👍</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/12%20[Hitchhiking]%20Spark%20Of%20Hope%20(Family).mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/12%20[Hitchhiking]%20Spark%20Of%20Hope%20(Family).mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">⚡️</div>
</div>
</figure>
//You don't really know how to hitchhike, but you've seen it done in movies. You walk backwards and hold out your thumb, waiting for a car to pull over. A long time goes by, but finally a car stops for you. It's a minivan with parents and some little kids inside, but they say they're going to the concert, too. They offer you a ride.//
What do you do?
[[👶 Get in the car|Family END]]
[[⏱ Continue walking|Venue, Late]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Walking down that lonesome road
Streetlight behind to guide me home
I turn away, back towards the dark
Thumb held high, waiting on that spark of hope
Spark of hope
Dust devils wind and tumbleweeds roll
Vultures circle high, my spirit sinking low
Then a single car slows to a park
Flashes the headlights, lighting up my spark of hope
Spark of hope
Spark of hope
Spark of hope
An ancient beige minivan is idling before me. On the passenger side, a man with a mop of graying hair rolls down the hand-crank window in a jerky, uneven motion. Out of breath from the mild exertion, he pants, "need a lift?" His wife smiles at me from the driver's seat, and I hear children shouting from the back over a cassette of sing-along songs. "I'm going to the concert," I say, and the man cheerfully replies, "That's where we're going! Hop in!" Is this a happy coincidence, or another distraction on my quest?]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>I'M LATE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "I'm Late":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">⏱</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/17%20%5bVenue,%20Late%5d%20Late.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/17%20%5bVenue,%20Late%5d%20Late.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎟</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You're tired and sweaty, but you did it. You walked all the way across town and made it to the concert! You're quite late, and just as you arrive you hear the crowd start to cheer. Hopefully you haven't missed These Stains' whole set! You rush inside to catch the rest of the show.//
You made it to the concert! YOU WIN!
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
\(if: (visited:"Running END")
and(visited:"Family END")
and(visited:"Pet END")
and(visited:"DARE END")
and(visited:"Punched END")
and(visited:"Club END")
and(visited:"Drugs")
and(visited:"Jail END"))[
[[🎁 BONUS: Listen to the encore!|Band]]
]
(else:)[
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages. You still have paths to take before unlocking the secret bonus song!]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Too many distractions, a ride would have been so convenient
I made it to the concert hall, the right one in fact, now that’s an achievement
I didn’t get sick, thrown in jail, or attacked
I can hear the crowd go wild, I hope that I just missed the opening act
I’m late, but not too late
I’m late, time for the show]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>HOT MEAT</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Hot Meat":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🍟</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/14%20[Errand]%20Hot%20Meat.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/14%20[Errand]%20Hot%20Meat.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🌧</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//Having agreed to pick up some food, you venture out to find the restaurant. You haven't been there before, so you imagine yourself as noir detective, stalking for clues in the rain. When you get to your destination, you happen to see two storefronts with the same name: "Hot Meat." One store has a sign shaped like a burger and fries. The other has a sign shaped like legs in high heels. You're honestly not sure which one is the right one.//
What do you do?
[[🍔 Enter the building with the burger-shaped sign|Waiting]]
[[👠 Enter the building with the leg-shaped sign|Club END]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Rain rattles down the gutters and drips off my fedora. I see silhouettes of happy people chowing down on dinner in every apartment window. But here I am, on the street, stomach empty as a bum’s bottle of rye. I can feel eyes on me as I walk, burning a hole in the back of my head. I turn and see her, a most beautiful creature. But I can’t be distracted by dames right now. “Beat it, toots,” I say, and the huge rat scurries off into a storm drain.
I turn down a side street towards my destination, out of the cold comfort of the street lights. My phone chimes, “You have arrived”, but I’m flummoxed as a polar bear in Hawai’i. I see two storefronts with two nearly identical neon signs, both spelling out the words: “Hot Meat.” One is adorned with illustrations of a juicy burger, steamy fries, and a cold milkshake. The other depicts a slender pair of legs with stilettos and fishnet stockings. I’m a tough man to fool, and yet, I’m suddenly unsure of my next move…]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>GREASY LOVE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Greasy Love":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🍔</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/15%20[Waiting]%20Greasy%20Love.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/15%20[Waiting]%20Greasy%20Love.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">💘</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You find yourself in a typical burger joint. The aroma of salt and grease renews your hunger. Your order isn't ready yet, so once again you have to wait. You try and will your food to be ready faster, staring down the cooks and cashiers. You're hungry, you're worried about missing the concert, and you don't want to disappoint a new potential friend. You notice the takeout counter is loaded with (t8n:"fade-down")+(t8n-time:3s)[grease-soaked bags]. Would anyone notice if you took someone else's order?//
What do you do?
[[🛍 Take a bag from the counter|Jail END]]
[[⏱ Wait for your own order|Food]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Surrounded by people I feel so alone
The hunger is all that I’ve ever known
And I want you so bad that it tears me apart
Each passing order is breaking my heart
Oh serve me up some love
I’ve been waiting at least 15 minutes
Oh serve me up some greasy love
You know that I want it you know that I need it
I stare down the cashiers, the cooks on the line
I plead to their souls through their young, tired eyes
I need some food now to get back to the show
If I take someone else’s, well how will they know
Oh serve me up some love
I’ve been waiting at least 15 minutes
Oh serve me up some greasy love
You know that I want it you know that I need it
Love!
Greasy love!]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>BURGER JAIL</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Burger Jail":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🛍</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/28%20[Jail%20END]%20Burger%20Jail.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/28%20[Jail%20END]%20Burger%20Jail.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">👮</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You can't wait any longer. You see a fully-stuffed takeout bag sitting on the counter, so you grab it and run. Turns out the manager was right behind you, and she catches up with you in no time. She calls the police, who take you into a holding cell while your mother comes to pick you up. You nap on the bench, dreaming in fitful sleep of a life spent behind bars. Lucky for you they let you off with only a warning.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Waiting]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I took a bag that looked real nice
Grease leaking through the bottom, slick as ice
I turned around and started to run
The manager said “get back here you son of a gun”
He caught up to me quick, knocked me over like a gale
That’s how I ended up in burger jail
Now I’m on the chain gang doing my time
Breaking rocks with a pickaxe, I’ve got no idea why
My mom always said I looked good in stripes
Now I’m serving hard time, yeah it’s twenty to life
The warden just laughs, saying “game over, son”
But my life in burger jail has just begun]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>FISTS BEGIN TO FLY</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Fists Begin To Fly":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👊</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/19%20[Fight]%20Fists%20Begin%20To%20Fly.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/19%20[Fight]%20Fists%20Begin%20To%20Fly.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🔥</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You choose to go hungry rather than potentially give up your spot in line or miss any of the show. The line grows longer as you wait, and you nearly fall asleep standing up. Eventually someone tries to (t8n:"fade-left")+(t8n-time:2s)[cut the line], sparking outrage from those who waited patiently. It looks like a fight is about to break out. Finally, some excitement! But a voice in the back of your head asks if you should do something about it.//
What do you do?
[[🌈 Break up the fight|Mediator]]
[[📱 Film the fight for social media|Punched END]]
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[The sun is down, but the tensions rise
I feel the chill, see the anger in their eyes
“He cut the line,” “Don’t be a jerk,” “I was just waiting for my friend”
“What are you, five,” “It’s not how that works,” “Hey buddy, this will be your END”
And just like that, fists begin to fly
Ah, ah, ah!
I can’t just watch as they throw their lives away
Should I break it up, is there something I can say?
Or just hang back, pull out my phone, maybe record a little bit
“Think of the likes” “I could go viral” “Just a 60 second clip”
This is my chance, I cannot delay
Ah, ah, ah!]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>PUNCHED OUT!</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Punched Out!":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">📱</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/21%20[Punched%20END]%20Punched%20Out!.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/21%20[Punched%20END]%20Punched%20Out!.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🌊</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You decide to stay out of the fight and mind your business, but the urge to film it for some quick social media likes is too much. You pull out your phone and start to record, but one of the brawlers immediately spots you. His rage redirects towards you, and before you know it, (t8n:"zoom")+(t8n-time:0.5s)[BAM], you're knocked down and your nose is bleeding. The venue staff calls an ambulance, and soon you're being carted off to the hospital.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Fight]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I was the big kahuna
Yeah I was riding high
But my wave came crashing down
In the form of an angry, muscular guy
I saw him first through my phone screen
Then I started to shout
He was coming to get me and
Punched out!
Game over, game over
Game over, game over]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>THE MUSIC MAKES US ONE</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "The Music Makes Us One":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🌈</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/20%20[Mediator]%20The%20Music%20Makes%20Us%20One.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/20%20[Mediator]%20The%20Music%20Makes%20Us%20One.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎶</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You put yourself between the fighting people. This act of bravery, or stupidity, gives them pause. You plead with them to stop fighting, reminding them that everyone here has something in common: they're here to enjoy the healing music of These Stains Are Who I Am. Your words cut deep with truth. The fighters apologize and embrace. They're thanking you for returning them to their senses when the doors to the concert hall open. Everyone walks in calmly and as friends.//
[[🤘Enter the venue|Venue, On Time]]
\(set:$HasPeaceBlessing to true)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Unclench your fists and take a step away
Open your heart and everything will be OK
Recall that what we have in common is what brought us here today
‘Cause we are many
But the music makes us one
And we have plenty
So much love under the sun
Now all is calm, the anger has been soothed
And finally the line begins to move
Surrounded by all my new friends it’s time to get into the groove
‘Cause we are many
But the music makes us one
And we have plenty
So much love under the sun]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>GROUNDED</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Grounded":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👠</div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/24%20[Club%20END]%20Grounded.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/24%20[Club%20END]%20Grounded.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🍸</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//The building you've entered doesn't look like a restaurant. There's flashing lights, (t8n:"pulse")+(t8n-time:3s)[blaring electronic music], and a mob of half-naked adults grinding on a dance floor. You seem to have walked into a nightclub by mistake! Before you can slip back out, a bouncer notices you. You're way too young to be here, so he takes you into a back office and makes you call your mother. She comes to pick you up, scolds you for being so naughty, and grounds you for a month.//
You miss the concert. GAME OVER.
[[🔁 Play again|Intro]]
[[⏪ Go back one step|Errand]]
You have visited (print: length of (unique: ...(history: where "Preparation" or "Band" is not in its name))) out of 30 passages.
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[Bass is pumping, heart is thumping
Sweaty naked bodies grinding, humping
A bouncer spots me
I say it’s all a big mistake
He makes me call my mother
And just like that he’s sealed my fate
Now it’s too late
Now it’s too late
Now it’s too late
I’m grounded
Bass is pumping, heart is thumping
(Game over)
Sweaty naked bodies grinding, humping
(I’m grounded)]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>EAT ME UP</h1>
\
\<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Eat Me Up":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">🤤 </div>
<audio
controls
src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/23%20[Food]%20Eat%20Me%20Up.mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/23%20[Food]%20Eat%20Me%20Up.mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🍽</div>
</div>
\</figure>
//You patiently waited at the restaurant for your order, then rushed back to the venue. Your new pal lets you right back into line, and you hand him his share of the food. You take your burger out of the bag, grease dripping over your hand. You can almost hear it calling to you, "eat me up." You happily oblige. With your hunger sated, you and your friend chat about the band for a while. The time flies, and before you know it the doors are open.//
[[🤘 Enter the venue|Venue, On Time]]
\(set:$HasFoodBlessing to true)
<hr/>
(text-style:"superscript")[I was hanging in the burger kingdom
While you were clowning around
Just when these buns started going stale
My entire world turned upside down
You took me from the bag
And raised me to your mouth
That’s when I started to scream and shout
(Pass the ketchup)
Eat me up, it’s the reason I exist
(Pass the ketchup)
If you’re hungry I’m happy to assist
(Pass the ketchup)
I’m so tasty, you know you can’t resist
You know you can’t resist
We’re not the only pair celebrating
I came with my whole crew
Many fries and nuggets for masticating
Plenty of food for your new friend, too
I feel you share a smile
As I settle in your gut
I’ll see you again, coming out of the concert
(You sick freaks)
(Pass the ketchup)
Eat me up, it’s the reason I exist
(Pass the ketchup)
If you’re hungry I’m happy to assist
(Pass the ketchup)
I’m so tasty, you know you can’t resist
You know you can’t resist
You know you can’t resist
You know you can’t resist]
<hr />
\<div class="flex">
\[[🏠 Back to the start |Intro]]
\<div id="reset">[[🗑️ Start a new game|Intro]]</div>
</div>
<div id="copyright"></div><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0;">Welcome to "The Concert"!</h1>
\<div style="font-size: 0.75em; text-align: center;">by <a style="color: white; font-weight: bold" href="https://linktr.ee/thesestains">These Stains Are Who I Am</a></div>
\
\<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 1.5em; margin-top: 64px;">
\[[🎮 Start playing|Intro]]
\<p style="margin: 0; font-size: 0.5em">First time here? Scroll for instructions!</p>
</div>
\<div class="cover">
<a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thesestainsarewhoiam/the-concert-an-interactive-aural-odyssey-2"><img src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/cover.jpg" /></a>
</div>
\
<figure>
<figcaption>Listen to "Welcome to The Concert":</figcaption>
<div>
<div class="emoji">👋</div>
<audio
controls src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/00%20[Welcome]%20Welcome%20to%20The%20Concert%20(Game).mp3">
<a href="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/MP3s/00%20[Welcome]%20Welcome%20to%20The%20Concert%20(Game).mp3">
Download audio
</a>
</audio>
<div class="emoji">🎶</div>
</div>
</figure>
Welcome to “The Concert: An Interactive Aural Odyssey” by <a style="color: white; font-weight: bold" href="https://linktr.ee/thesestains">These Stains Are Who I Am<a>!
"The Concert" is both an album and a game. Each step of the game includes a song, some story text, and a set of options to choose from. Which choice you make will determine which song you hear next and how the game unfolds! There is a way to “win,” but the only way to hear all of the music is to visit every path of the story. If you do, there may be a surprise waiting for you!
Let’s try it out:
//You are about to play/listen to a choose your own adventure-type game/album that will likely blow your mind. You will embody the character of “the kid from the early These Stains songs." Your goal is to get from your home to the These Stains concert. Seems simple, right? Wrong! You gird your loins, ready for any challenges that may come your way.//
What do you do?
[[🎮 Start playing|Intro]]
[[⏱ Take some more time to prepare|Preparation]]
<br/>
<hr/>
Though best experienced as a game, the album version of "The Concert" is also available for your listening pleasure on <a href="https://thesestainsarewhoiam.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">Bandcamp</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4pb3bayzpGy3fxuYGhAmZl?si=LfsVNTDtQoOTaP4D_YLnfg" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">Spotify</a>, or <a href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thesestainsarewhoiam/the-concert-an-interactive-aural-odyssey-2" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">wherever you stream music</a>.
\<div class="flex">
\<iframe style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1691275205/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://thesestainsarewhoiam.bandcamp.com/album/the-concert-an-interactive-aural-odyssey">The Concert: An Interactive Aural Odyssey by These Stains Are Who I Am</a></iframe>
\<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4pb3bayzpGy3fxuYGhAmZl?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
\</div>\
\Don't forget to <a href="https://linktr.ee/thesestains" target="_blank" style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">follow us</a> on all the places for more music and other projects!
<div id="copyright"></div><h1>PREPARATION</h1>
\//You decide to wait a bit longer and get ready for the adventure ahead. No pressure, we want you to have a good time! Here are some pictures of our pets, Dusty and Stan, to calm your nerves. Look at those cute lil’ guys! When you’re ready you can begin the game, or you can go back and read the instructions again.//
<div class="image-grid">
<div class="image-grid-row">
<img src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/Pets/dusty1.jpg" alt="Dusty trying to eat his foot" />
<img src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/Pets/stan1.jpg" alt="Stan says you can look at his belly, but you can't touch" />
</div><div class="image-grid-row">
<img src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/Pets/dusty2.jpg" alt="Dusty and his friend Mia share a drink" />
<img src="https://thesestains.com/theconcert/Pets/stan2.jpg" alt="Stan doing his best Mabel and Dipper impression" />
</div>
</div>
\
\What do you do?
[[🎮 Start playing|Intro]]
[[📕 Read the instructions again|Welcome]]
<br/><br/>
<div id="copyright"></div>↶↷