Your Body A Temple

Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.

Loading…

,,,,,,,

!! Your Body a Temple, or the Postmodern Prometheus <span class="subtitle">a tale of self-determination</span> by Charm Cochran <<linkreplace "Show content warnings">>Content warnings: body horror, implied queerphobia, violence, non-sexual descriptions of genitalia (optional)<</linkreplace>> [[Begin|Hello]]

Oh, my dear, they’ve destroyed you, haven’t they? They could never understand a being such as yourself. Not to worry. We’ll build you a new body, with which you will take your revenge. [[Okay|Disclaimer]]

<<if $hubvisited is "no">>Where to begin?<<set $hubvisited to "yes">><<elseif $parts is 5>>To review:<<else>>What comes next?<</if>><<if $armsdesc isnot null or $facedesc isnot null or $genitaldesc isnot null or $legdesc isnot null or $torsodesc isnot null>> <</if>><<if $armsdesc isnot null>> Your arms are $armsdesc<</if>><<if $facedesc isnot null>> Your face is $facedesc<</if>><<if $genitaldesc isnot null and $genitals isnot "skipped">> Your genitals are $genitaldesc<</if>><<if $legdesc isnot null>> Your legs are $legdesc<</if>><<if $torsodesc isnot null>> Your torso is $torsodesc<</if>> <<if $parts is 5>>\ [[You are complete.|Epilogue A]]\ <<else>><table class="center"> <tr> <td></td> <td></td> <td><<if $face is null>>[[Face]]<<else>>//Face//<</if>></td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td><<if $arms is null>>[[Arms]]<<else>>//Arms//<</if>></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td><<if $torso is null>>[[Torso]]<<else>>//Torso//<</if>></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td><<if $genitals is null>>[[Genitals]]<<else>>//Genitals//<</if>></td> <td></td> <td><<if $legs is null>>[[Legs]]<<else>>//Legs//<</if>></td> <td></td> </tr> </table><</if>> <<if $parts is 4 and !visited("Genitals")>><<link "//(Skip genitals)//" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "skipped">><<set $parts to 5>><</link>><</if>>

Your face is how you present yourself to the world. Which one would you like? [[Android]] [[Blank]] [[Nightmare]] [[Distressingly human]]

Your arms are how you will most often interact with things. Which kind would you prefer? [[Branches]] [[Electrical wires]] [[Metal lattice tipped in claws]] [[Muscular, yet gentle]]

Your torso is the nucleus of your body. It connects everything else. Which one would you like? [[Hollowed]] [[Nest]] [[Fat]] [[Robotic]]

Your genitals are your source of most pleasure and deepest connection with others. Which will be yours? [[Masculine]] [[Feminine]] [[Alien]] [[None]] <<link "//(Skip genitals)//" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "skipped">><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><</link>>[[->Hub]]

Your legs are what will carry you from place to place. Which kind would you prefer? [[Cervine]] [[Canine]] [[Polygonal]] [[Human]]

These branches were clipped from the oldest known tree. Once grafted onto a living being, they will resume growing once more. They may not do much to protect you, but their growth is only encouraged by pruning. Someone clips your twigs, and they'll grow back as branches. They clip your branches, and they'll grow back as trunks. The more they harm you, the stronger you'll become—even if the rest of you is swallowed by foliage in the process. Are these your arms? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $arms to "branches">><<set $armsdesc to "ancient, ever-growing brnaches.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Arms">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Arms]]

Ah. These arms are made to do exactly two things: strike fear into hearts, and then rip those hearts out. These arms say "fuck with me and be exterminated." They have built-in extension features to easily catch assailants as they flee for their lives. They are fearsome weapons, nothing else. They will keep all others at, if you'll pardon the expression, arm's length. What better way to keep you safe? Are these your arms? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $arms to "lattice">><<set $armsdesc to "metal lattices tipped in claws.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Arms">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Arms]]

Yes, yes. These arms are protective. Good for hugs, I've been told. They can aid you in providing a sense of security to others—they give the impression of being able to fight, while simultaneously preventing the need for one on most occasions. You may want to bulk the rest of yourself up, for the sake of proportion—although depending on what other choices you make, that may not be possible for every part of you. The arms alone should suffice for their purpose, if needs must. Are these your arms? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $arms to "muscular">><<set $armsdesc to "muscular, yet gentle.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Arms">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Arms]]

Interesting. Hard plastic, retrofuturistic translucent to reveal the wiring behind it. Don't let that fool you, though—it's hard as stone. It will keep you safe, yes, but isolated. Nothing is soft here. Nothing will show on your face or in your voice, and you may not be able to see out of it. It sacrifices connection for security, which is a bargain not everyone is willing to make. Is this your face? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $face to "android">><<set $facedesc to "hard plastic, that of an android.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Face">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Face]]

Not exactly an original image, but an effective one nonetheless. From the //noppera-bō// of Japanese mythology to //The King in Yellow// to Slenderman, such featurelessness has been used to terrify for centuries. This face will surely mark you as other, even as a threat. Perhaps, though, that's what you want. People that fear you may be less likely to harm you. Is this your face—or, rather, your lack thereof? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $face to "blank">><<set $facedesc to "a blank expanse.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Face">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Face]]

Ah, yes. A face pulled from the shadows in the corner of a darkened bedroom after midnight, as seen by half-lidded eyes. A face that makes the sleeper sit bolt upright, only to resolve into a coat or a lamp or a shadow, melting away as their rational mind returns. Of course, it will reappear in their dreams. A face like this won't make you many friends, but it's very good at keeping enemies away through sheer terror alone. If you can live with the trade-off, it's quite effective. Is this your face? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $face to "nightmare">><<set $facedesc to "a nightmarish visage.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Face">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Face]]

Yes, this face is a classic, featured in horror films and horrific acts alike. It asserts personhood in the face of dehumanization. It declares agency in the face of destruction. This is a face that demands to be remembered. It is a face that haunts assailants' dreams. You may consider that a pitiful revenge, but do consider that it may be the only revenge you get. Is this your face? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $face to "human">><<set $facedesc to "distressingly human.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Face">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Face]]

Ah, the economic option. It's not quite a ribcage that forms the shell of this one, is it? It's more of a... chassis, or a carapace. Thin, yes, but far from fragile. The tragedy of it, as you can see, is there's nothing inside for it to protect. It's hollowed out entirely. Don't let that worry you, though. As you can well surmise from your current state, you don't //actually// need your organs to survive, and beggars don't have the privelege of haggling over such luxuries. Perhaps you could use the space for storage. Is this your torso? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $torso to "hollowed">><<set $torsodesc to "a hollowed shell.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Torso">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Torso]]

This one isn't for the squeamish, is it? If you couldn't tell from the noise, something other than you has already made its home here. Pardon me—it's not just one thing, to be perfectly clear. There's a whole colony in there. They're being a bit shy, at the moment, but I'm sure you can use your imagination. Hornets and yellowjackets, carpenter and fire ants, termites... any number of vermin might have made their nest here. They won't bite or sting //you,// of course. At least, not on purpose. You are to be their home. They will //protect// you, from anyone and everyone. No one will dare get too close. Is this your torso? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $torso to "hive">><<set $torsodesc to "a nest for insects.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Torso">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Torso]]

There is something to be said, I think, for sheer mass. Size and body heat have their uses. So, too, does insulation. It's an appealing figure in many cultures, and ours may be coming around to it, too. Many will tell you it's unhealthy, but that's not strictly necessarily true—although I can't speak to //this// specific body. This is a torso built for intimacy. You will be good at cuddling, good at warming others. Those activities may begin to be expected of you. Can you still bear that level of vulnerability? Is this your torso? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $torso to "fat">><<set $torsodesc to "fat, sturdy, and warm.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Torso">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Torso]]

This one is a bit heavy—it's full of dozens of servo motors, sensors, hydraulic actuators, and the like, you understand. All of that weight adds up. Quite durable, though, espcially for such a complicated piece of machinery. Having this hunk of metal and wire as your core will allow you extremely fine control of your movements with nearly no effort. Catching a fly with chopsticks will be child's play. However, it is quite loud—you may announce your presence from up to a block away. And you can't get it wet, or you'll be just about stranded. Is this your torso? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $torso to "android">><<set $torsodesc to "a complex machine.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Torso">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Torso]]

Ah, short fur and hooves. Agile, as are all ruminant mammals. Built for fleeing. These legs say "Catch me if you can!" They shudder when faced with danger, but deftly carry you to safety nonetheless. They hit the ground lightly, no individual leaving any telltale bent foliage on its own—but deadly as a group, able to stampede over otherwise formidable adversaries. Are these your legs? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $legs to "cervine">><<set $legdesc to "cervine, built for agility and flight.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Legs">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Legs]]

Yes, the canines. From the pawpads to the hock to the knee, built for running. Built for the chase. These legs are made for catching prey. They say "fuck with my pack, and I will hunt you down." They will ford rivers and traverse deep snow to turn predators into prey. Tipped with sharp, deadly claws, they may prove useful as weapons in their own right—if you know how to kick. Are these your legs? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $legs to "canine">><<set $legdesc to "canine, built for pursuit.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Legs">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Legs]]

Ah, yes. Two black prisms, each akin to a stilleto. Not necessarily the most practical choice, but likely the most intimidating. Not to mention, they are the most aesthetically pleasing of any form I have. They are deadly sharp, and make a distinctive sounds on hard surfaces—others will hear you coming. They may flee before you even arrive. Just avoid sewer grates and potholes, or you'll be liable to take a messy spill. They'll never dull, though. Even if you use them for the rest of time, they'll remain wicked sharp. Are these your legs? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $legs to "polygonal">><<set $legdesc to "two long polygonal stilletos.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Legs">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Legs]]

Classic and fleshy. Home to the three largest muscles in the //homo sapiens// body, human legs are built for endurance and long-distance walking. They also have the benefit of being the most familiar to you—you more than likely will have been using them for your entire life up until this moment. Please do consider before you decide whether they have served you well. Are these your legs? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $legs to "human">><<set $legdesc to "still human.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Legs">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Legs]]

<<nobr>><<if $fvis is 0>> <<if $mvis is 0>> <<set $mvis to 1>> Oh, you're in for a treat with these. These are //custom.// <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> <<elseif $fvis is 1>> <<if $mvis is 0>> <<set $mvis to 2>> Like the feminine ones I showed you before, these are //custom.// <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> There is still an orifice here, yes, but it has been <<if $fvis is 0 and $mvis is 1>>transformed<<elseif $fvis is 1 and $mvis is 2>>transformed<<else>>//transformed//<</if>>. Look above it, to see an appendage that did not exist before. Smell how the aroma has been altered—the pungence, the spice. See how it sweats.<</nobr>> These genitals assert your agency, your knowledge of yourself. They say "I know who I am, and I have made the decision to make my chassis match my character." Of course, that assumes that they are in fact right for you, but you would know that better than I. Are these your genitals? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "masc">><<set $genitaldesc to "a masculinized orifice.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Genitals">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Genitals]]

<<nobr>><<if $mvis is 0>> <<if $fvis is 0>> <<set $fvis to 1>> Oh, you're in for a treat with these. These are //custom.// <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> <<elseif $mvis is 1>> <<if $fvis is 0>> <<set $fvis to 2>> Like the masculine ones I showed you before, these are //custom.// <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> <<else>> As I told you before, these are custom. <</if>> There is still an appendage here, yes, but it has been <<if $mvis is 0 and $fvis is 1>>transformed<<elseif $mvis is 1 and $fvis is 2>>transformed<<else>>//transformed//<</if>>. It no longer hardens and rarely discharges, though it is still a center of pleasure. See how the skin has softened, its hoary hue supplanted. Smell its new odor, spicy and sweet.<</nobr>> These genitals assert your agency, your knowledge of yourself. They say "I know who I am, and I have made the decision to make my chassis match my character." Of course, that assumes that they are in fact right for you, but you would know that better than I. Are these your genitals? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "fem">><<set $genitaldesc to "a feminized appendage.">><<set $human to $human + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $inviting to $inviting + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Genitals">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Genitals]]

These may not look like any genitals you're used to, but they serve a function nonetheless—perhaps not to //your// species, but they work perfectly fine for their organisms of origin. Take a moment to feel those bumps and ridges, those divots and valleys. This is a topographical map of pleasureful connection. Among this specimen's species of origin—which humanity has never met and never will meet—the story goes that each individual is one third of a whole being, with one half of each individual's map matching perfectly to half of each of their other thirds'. It is said that only by finding and, uh, //connecting// with both of ones other thirds can one achieve nirvana. Given the billions of random factors that go into the creation of a body that can sustain life, it is in fact very rare for an individual to have two others whose maps match theirs exactly. This fact does not deter them from searching and searching and searching. Are these your genitals? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "alien">><<set $genitaldesc to "alien.">><<set $monstrous to $monstrous + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Genitals">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Genitals]]

Ah, a blank slate. A bare patch of skin. Protective, sexless, Ken doll—not to put too fine a point on it. It is your choice, of course, but understand that this cuts you off from an entire kind of connection. Not everyone needs or wants it, I understand, but please keep that in mind. On the other hand, this does keep you safe from an entire kind of violation—at least, in theory. Are these your genitals—or, rather, your lack thereof? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $genitals to "nothing">><<set $genitaldesc to "nonexistant.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Genitals">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Genitals]]

<<set $arms to null>> <<set $face to null>> <<set $genitals to null>> <<set $legs to null>> <<set $torso to null>> <<set $armsdesc to null>> <<set $facedesc to null>> <<set $genitaldesc to null>> <<set $legdesc to null>> <<set $torsodesc to null>> <<set $human to 0>> <<set $monstrous to 0>> <<set $robotic to 0>> <<set $inviting to 0>> <<set $repulsive to 0>> <<set $parts to 0>> <<set $fvis to 0>> <<set $mvis to 0>> <<set $hubvisited to "no">>

<<nobr>><<if $genitals is "skipped">> <<if $monstrous is 4>> Fascinating. It appears that you have chosen to build your new body as a monster. A completely understandable choice, given the danger you have faced before, and the danger you will face upon your return. A wise decision, so long as you do not lose your humanity in the process. <<elseif $robotic is 4>> Fascinating. You seem to have chosen your new body as a machine—armored, dangerous, and guarded. An understandable choice, given the things you have been through. It is likely the most efficient way to protect yourself. Just be sure not to forego the relationships that will keep you sane. <<elseif $human is 4>> Fascinating. Even with all you've been through, even with the danger you know you will face upon your return... you have chosen to remain a human entire. A noble decision, if one that will leave you vulnerable. <<else>> There you have it: your new body, an amalgam of salvaged parts assembled to your specifications. I do hope you are satisfied with your choices—there's no going back now. <</if>> <<elseif $monstrous is 5>> Fascinating. It appears that you have chosen to build your new body as a monster. A completely understandable choice, given the danger you have faced before, and the danger you will face upon your return. A wise decision, so long as you do not lose your humanity in the process. <<elseif $robotic is 5>> Fascinating. You seem to have chosen your new body as a machine—armored, dangerous, and guarded. An understandable choice, given the things you have been through. It is likely the most efficient way to protect yourself. Just be sure not to forego the relationships that will keep you sane. <<elseif $human is 5>> Fascinating. Even with all you've been through, even with the danger you know you will face upon your return... you have chosen to remain a human entire. A noble decision, if one that will leave you vulnerable. <<else>> There you have it: your new body, an amalgam of salvaged parts assembled to your specifications. I do hope you are satisfied with your choices—there's no going back now. <</if>><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<if $genitals is "skipped">> <<if $inviting gte 3>> <<if $monstrous is 4 or $robotic is 4 or $human is 4>>Furthermore, you seem to have<<else>>However, you //do// seem to have<</if>> made only choices that will help you grow closer to others—a brave choice in a world such as this. There are not many who would choose to truly sacrifice personal security for the sake of others, but perhaps you are that rare soul. <<elseif $inviting gt $repulsive>> <<if $monstrous is 4 or $robotic is 4 or $human is 4>>Furthermore, you seem to have<<else>>However, you //do// seem to have<</if>> mostly made choices that will help you grow closer to others—a brave choice in a world such as this. They will, of course, need to look past your... less savory aspects, but I suppose we all make compromises in the pursuit of connection. <<else>> I will caution, with a body built the way yours is, you may have trouble finding connection. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe. <</if>><<else>> <<if $inviting gte 4>> <<if $monstrous is 5 or $robotic is 5 or $human is 5>>Furthermore, you seem to have<<else>>However, you //do// seem to have<</if>> made only choices that will help you grow closer to others—a brave choice in a world such as this. There are not many who would choose to truly sacrifice personal security for the sake of others, but perhaps you are that rare soul. <<elseif $inviting gt $repulsive>> <<if $monstrous is 5 or $robotic is 5 or $human is 5>>Furthermore, you seem to have<<else>>However, you //do// seem to have<</if>> mostly made choices that will help you grow closer to others—a brave choice in a world such as this. They will, of course, need to look past your... less savory aspects, but I suppose we all make compromises in the pursuit of connection. <<else>> I will caution, with a body built the way yours is, you may have trouble finding connection. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe. <</if>><</if>><</nobr>> Just give me a few moments to prepare everything, dear, and we'll be all set to begin. [[Understood.|Epilogue B]] //[[(Reach out to touch her.)|Epilogue C]]//

<table> <tr> <td><<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $face to "android">><<set $facedesc to "hard plastic, that of an android.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><</link>></td> <td><<link "No" "Face">><</link>></td> </tr> </table> Cut from Epilogue B: You made yourself a custom form that best reflects how you wish to present yourself to the world—at least as best as any physical form can.

While these cables would attach at your shoulders, you should be aware that they won't technically function as //arms.// That is to say, they are not prehensile. With that said, there are other uses you may have for //live wires.// You might think of them like built in flails, but instead of something spiky on the end it's five hundred white-hot volts. Perhaps not always enough to kill an attacker, but certainly enough to send them running. Are these your arms? <<link "Yes" "Hub">><<set $arms to "electric">><<set $armsdesc to "exposed electrical wires.">><<set $robotic to $robotic + 1>><<set $parts to $parts + 1>><<set $repulsive to $repulsive + 1>><</link>> / <<link "No" "Arms">><</link>>[[->Hub]][[->Arms]]

I ought to warn you, we are working on a bit of a budget here. I won't be able to make you a bespoke body. With that said, I do have a fairly extensive collection of... shall we say, spare parts. You may have your pick of the lot. [[Okay|Hub]]

//The end.// Conceptualized, written, and programmed by Charm Cochran in less than four hours for the La Petite Mort category of ECTOCOMP 2023. Testing by Tommy Sullivan-Lovett. Special thanks to the organizers of ECTOCOMP: rubereaglenest and Julen Zamor. <<nobr>><<if $genitals is "skipped">> <<linkreplace "Show stats">>Humanity: <<print $human / 4 * 100>>% / Monstrosity: <<print $monstrous / 4 * 100>>% / Roboticism: <<print $robotic / 4 * 100>>% / <<if $repulsive gte $inviting>>Repulsiveness: <<print $repulsive / 4 * 100>><<else>>Invitingness: <<print $inviting / 4 * 100>><</if>>%<</linkreplace>> <<else>> <<linkreplace "Show stats">>Humanity: <<print $human / 5 * 100>>% / Monstrosity: <<print $monstrous / 5 * 100>>% / Roboticism: <<print $robotic / 5 * 100>>% / <<if $repulsive gte $inviting>>Repulsiveness: <<print $repulsive / 5 * 100>><<else>>Invitingness: <<print $inviting / 5 * 100>><</if>>%<</linkreplace>><</if>><</nobr>> <<nobr>><<link "Return to main menu" "Main Menu">> <<set $arms to null>> <<set $face to null>> <<set $genitals to null>> <<set $legs to null>> <<set $torso to null>> <<set $armsdesc to null>> <<set $facedesc to null>> <<set $genitaldesc to null>> <<set $legdesc to null>> <<set $torsodesc to null>> <<set $human to 0>> <<set $monstrous to 0>> <<set $robotic to 0>> <<set $inviting to 0>> <<set $repulsive to 0>> <<set $parts to 0>> <<set $fvis to 0>> <<set $mvis to 0>> <<set $hubvisited to "no">> <</link>><</nobr>>

<<if $inviting gte 4>>Understand this: it will still be hard. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe. <<elseif $inviting gt $repulsive>>I do not mean to imply anything especial about you or your body. Every individual and every body has its unsavory aspects. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe. <</if>>Stand in the power of your choices and you will never be alone. This body is //yours//. It is //of you//. You collected together a heap of scraps and built yourself a temple. There are many who never get such a chance. There are many who would kill or die for it. With all of that said, I believe our business here is concluded. Yes, truly, that's all! <<if $arms is "branches" or $arms is "electric">>Roll your shoulders<<else>>Wiggle your fingers<</if>>; <<if $face is "blank">>roll your neck<<else>><<if $torso is "fat">>take a deep breath<<elseif $torso is "hollowed">>let the air caress your form<<else>>feel your chest expand and contract<</if>><</if>>; <<if $legs is "polygonal">>test your balance<<else>>bend your knees<</if>>. These faculties are now yours to do with as you see fit, dear. And I think I have a good idea of what you've got planned. I'll be here the next time you need me, but for now, your life is your own. [[Now go forth and wreak havoc.|The End]]

You flatter me, dear—but no, thank you. You must seek such solace with your own kind. <<if $inviting lt $repulsive>>I just told you that you must seek your //tribe.// <</if>>Besides, <<if $genitals is "alien">>I'm not one of your other thirds<<elseif $arms is "electric">>you'll need to learn how not to electrocute anyone first<<elseif $torso is "hive">>you ought to let the occupants of that hive settle in a bit before jostling them<<elseif $legs is "polygonal">>you ought to get yourself steady on your feet first<<else>>the form you've chosen is not exactly compatable with mine<</if>>. <<if $inviting gte 4>>I won't mince words: even with the choices you've made, it will still be hard. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe.<<elseif $inviting gt $repulsive>>Please understand, I do not mean to imply anything especial about you or your body. Every individual and every body has its unsavory aspects. Others may choose not to see your beauty, or may not know enough to understand that beauty as what it is. Do not despair. Seek the enlightened, and you will find your tribe.<<else>>Oh, take heart.<</if>> Stand in the power of your choices and you will never be alone. This body is //yours//. It is //of you//. You collected together a heap of scraps and built yourself a temple. There are many who never get such a chance. There are many who would kill or die for it. With all of that said, I believe our business here is concluded. Yes, truly, that's all! <<if $arms is "branches" or $arms is "electric">>Roll your shoulders<<else>>Wiggle your fingers<</if>>; <<if $face is "blank">>roll your neck<<else>><<if $torso is "fat">>take a deep breath<<elseif $torso is "hollowed">>let the air caress your form<<else>>feel your chest expand and contract<</if>><</if>>; <<if $legs is "polygonal">>test your balance<<else>>bend your knees<</if>>. These faculties are now yours to do with as you see fit, dear. And I think I have a good idea of what you've got planned. I'll be here the next time you need me, but for now, your life is your own. [[Now go forth and wreak havoc.|The End]]