Learning the Basic Scripting of the Ren'Py Interactive Visual Novel EngineSambiglyon's interactive 'visual novel' version of Nicola J. Bolton's "The Secret of Healey Nab" childrens book was produced with an excellent easy to learn story creation engine called Ren'Py. 'The Secret of Healey Nab' visual novel: http://sambiglyon.org/healey Ren'Py: http://www.renpy.org/ In this Making Of guide, we lead you section by section through the narrative script file for 'The Secret of Healey Nab' and explain the basic rules and instructions for writing your own interactive content using Ren'Py! If you do take the bold step of making your own Ren'Py stories and find yourself getting stuck, you can contact us at [email protected] for free personalized guidance. Let's go! ______________________________________________________________________________ # Declare images below this line, using the image statement. Backgrounds have 'image bg' in front of their name, while character PNG frames and other images that will be overlaid on the background have 'image' in front of their name. Every image file you use in your book must be defined with an 'image' statement in this opening section of the script. image bg prologue = "prologue.png" image bg nab woods = "nab_woods.png" image bg nab woods smoke = "nab_woods_smoke.png" image bg secret pathways = "secret_pathways.png" image bg secret pathways smoke = "secret_pathways_smoke.png" image bg dawn = "dawn.png" image bg dawn second = "dawn_second.png" image bg mist = "mist.png" image bg flames = "flames.png" image bg winter hill = "winter_hill.png" image bg winter hill bushes = "winter_hill_bushes.png" image bg winter hill bushes dark = "winter_hill_bushes_dark.png" image bg winter hill dark = "winter_hill_dark.png" image bg winter hill aerials = "winter_hill_aerials.png" image bg blue waters = "blue_waters.png" image bg hills = "hills.png" image bg woodland path = "woodland_path.png" image bg fields = "fields.png" image bg fields 2 = "fields_2.png" image bg housing estate = "housing_estate.png" image bg primrose yell = "primrose_yell.png" image bg mist smoke = "mist_smoke.png" image bg stone cairn = "stone_cairn.png" image bg stone cairn 2 = "stone_cairn_2.png" image bg chorley = "chorley.png" image bg brinscall = "brinscall.png" image bg end = "end.png" image healey logo = "healey-logo.png" image hawthorn speaking = "hawthorn_speaking.png" image hawthorn afraid = "hawthorn_afraid.png" image hawthorn speaking small = "hawthorn_speaking_small.png" image hawthorn thoughtful = "hawthorn_thoughtful.png" image hawthorn worried = "hawthorn_worried.png" image hawthorn worried reverse = "hawthorn_worried_reverse.png" image hawthorn sigh = "hawthorn_sigh.png" image hawthorn alarmed = "hawthorn_alarmed.png" image hawthorn smile = "hawthorn_smile.png" image moorhound howl = "moorhound_howl.png" image moorhound growl = "moorhound_growl.png" image moorhound growl short = "moorhound_growl_short.png" image moorhound growl shorttail = "moorhound_growl_shorttail.png" image moorhound growl reverse = "moorhound_growl_reverse.png" image moorhound growl reverse shorttail = "moorhound_growl_reverse_shorttail.png" image moorhound riding = "moorhound_riding.png" image moorhound smiling = "moorhound_smiling.png" image moorhound smiling short = "moorhound_smiling_short.png" image moorhound smiling reverse = "moorhound_smiling_reverse.png" image moorhound smiling reverse full = "moorhound_smiling_reverse_full.png" image moorhound smiling reverse full 2 = "moorhound_smiling_reverse_full_2.png" image moorhound thoughtful = "moorhound_thoughtful.png" image moorhound thoughtful reverse = "moorhound_thoughtful_reverse.png" image moorhound neutral = "moorhound_neutral.png" image moorhound neutral short = "moorhound_neutral_short.png" image moorhound staring = "moorhound_staring.png" image moorhound staring reverse = "moorhound_staring_reverse.png" image moorhound staring short = "moorhound_staring_short.png" image moorhound wire = "moorhound_wire.png" image moorhound wire wince = "moorhound_wire_wince.png" image moorhound front = "moorhound_front.png" image moorhound front short = "moorhound_front_short.png" image moorhound front reverse = "moorhound_front_reverse.png" image moorhound wire eyemove = "moorhound_wire_eyemove.png" image moorhound freed = "moorhound_freed.png" image moorhound freed reverse = "moorhound_freed_reverse.png" image moorhound flying = "moorhound_flying.png" image moorhound flying short = "moorhound_flying_short.png" image moorhound growl ghost = "moorhound_growl_ghost.png" image moorhound returned = "moorhound_returned.png" image moorhound tail = "moorhound_tail.png" image larch speaking = "larch_speaking.png" image larch speaking reverse = "larch_speaking-reverse.png" image larch bottle = "larch_bottle.png" image larch frowning = "larch_frowning.png" image larch frowning reverse = "larch_frowning_reverse.png" image larch smiling = "larch_smiling.png" image larch smiling reverse = "larch_smiling_reverse.png" image larch happy = "larch_happy.png" image larch happy reverse = "larch_happy_reverse.png" image larch confident = "larch_confident.png" image larch afraid = "larch_afraid.png" image larch sitting = "larch_sitting.png" image larch yawning = "larch_yawning.png" image larch yawning small = "larch_yawning_small.png" image larch tired = "larch_tired.png" image larch tired small = "larch_tired_small.png" png" image primrose neutral = "primrose_neutral.png" image primrose running small = "primrose_running_small.png" image primrose smiling small = "primrose_smiling_small.png" image primrose alarmed = "primrose_alarmed.png" image larch coughing = "larch_coughing.png" .png" image larch sad reverse = "larch_sad_reverse.png" image primrose back turned = "primrose_back_turned.png" image laurel smiling reverse = "laurel_smiling_reverse.png" image larch terror = "larch_terror.png" image primrose terror = "primrose_terror.png" image primrose fall = "primrose_fall.png" image laurel happy small = "laurel_happy_small.png" image primrose shouting reverse = "primrose_shouting_reverse.png" image primrose back turned reverse = "primrose_back_turned_reverse.png" image laurel happy = "laurel_happy.png" image primrose blank = "primrose_blank.png" image primrose alarmed small = "primrose_alarmed_small.png" image laurel smiling = "laurel_smiling.png" image primrose singing small = "primrose_singing_small.png" image laurel cross = "laurel_cross.png" image primrose worried = "primrose_worried.png" image primrose crestfallen = "primrose_crestfallen.png" image larch layawake = "larch_layawake.png" image quercus waving = "quercus_waving.png" image primrose joyous = "primrose_joyous.image larch sad = "larch_sad.png" image primrose shouting = "primrose_shouting.png" image primrose blank small = "primrose_blank_small.png" image primrose worried small = "primrose_worried_small.png" image primrose cross = "primrose_cross.png" image primrose crestfallen reverse = "primrose_crestfallen_reverse.png" image larch idea = "larch_idea.png" image quercus smiling reverse 2 = "quercus_smiling_reverse_2.png" image primrose singing = "primrose_singing.png" image primrose worried reverse = "primrose_worried_reverse.png" image primrose sleeping small = "primrose_sleeping_small.png" image laurel okay small = "laurel_okay_small.png" image larch handheldout = "larch-handheldout.png" image quercus smiling reverse = "quercus_smiling_reverse.png" image larch fall = "larch_fall.png" image primrose sleeping = "primrose_sleeping.png" image quercus worried = "quercus_worried.png" image larch sleeping = "larch_sleeping.png" image laurel smiling small = "laurel_smiling_small.png" image primrose worried small reverse = "primrose_worried_small_reverse.png" image primrose blank reverse = "primrose_blank_reverse.png" image primrose sleeping reverse = "primrose_sleeping_reverse.png" image larch berries = "larch_berries.png" image larch handheldout reverse = "larch-handheldout_reverse.png" image quercus smiling = "quercus_smiling.png" image laurel upset = "laurel_upset.png" image primrose smiling = "primrose_smiling.png" image primrose cross reverse = "primrose_cross_reverse.png" image primrose smiling reverse = "primrose_smiling_reverse. png" image ram side = "ram_side. as once you give each character a shorthand name reference like 'p' or 'l' then when you are writing a line of narrative speech for a character in the script.png" image ram front = "ram_front. show_two_window=True) define m = Character('Moorhound'.png" image ram leap = "ram_leap.png" image willow neutral reverse = "willow_neutral_reverse. show_two_window=True) define k = Character('King Hawthorn'. color="#99f216".png" image ram leap reverse = "ram_leap_reverse.png" image willow tongue = "willow_tongue.png" image willow annoyed = "willow_annoyed. show_two_window=True) define l = Character('Larch'. color="#ff8c33". color="#228B22". Finally. and defines the colour that the character's name will be shown in when they speak. color="#bd4f27". # The 'color' variable is an HTML hex-code value like those used when writing a web-page. define p = Character('Primrose'.png" image willow neutral = "willow_neutral.png" image deer walk = "deer.png" image willow tongue reverse = "willow_tongue_reverse.image primrose crying = "primrose_crying.png" image ram laying = "ram_laying.png" image ram side reversed = "ram_side_reversed.png" image chapter 4 = "chapter-4.png" image drinks can look = "drinks-can-look.png" image primrose coughing = "primrose_coughing.png" image bin = "bin. 'show_two_window=True' shows the character's name in a small box above the main narrative text box at the bottom of the page when the character is speaking.png" image sprigg feet = "sprigg_feet. 600)) # Declare characters used in the book.png" image chapter 8 = "chapter-8. color="#bd4f27".png" image bracken = "bracken. show_two_window=True) define who = Character('???'.png" image chapter 5 = "chapter-5.png" image ram side reversed short = "ram_side_reversed_short.png" image chapter 6 = "chapter-6.png" image fence = "fence. This section is not compulsory but makes script writing much easier. you only need to write that shorthand instead of the character's full name. show_two_window=True) define la = Character('Laurel'. show_two_window=True) define w = Character('Willow'.png" image larch primrose run = "larch_primrose_run.png" image primrose crying reverse = "primrose_crying_reverse. color="#993300".png" image drinks can = "drinks-can.png" image chapter 2 = "chapter-2.png" image ram side = "ram_side.png" image chapter 7 = "chapter-7. show_two_window=True) .png" image chapter 3 = "chapter-3.png" image willow smiling = "willow_smiling.png" image movie = Movie(size=(800.png" image ram alarmed = "ram_alarmed. color="#bd4f27".png" image mist smoke loop = "mist_smoke_loop. color="#ff8c33". color="#009900". etc that were defined in the section above go below. ypos=395) $ middleright = Position(xpos=700. color="#d291e". kind=nvl) define fsla = Character('Laurel'. the narrative box should disappear and those characters' lines of speech should be overlaid over the background like a conventional book instead.0. show_two_window=True) define sy = Character('Sycamore'. What this does is tell the book that when narrative lines are using the shortcut names below. color="#bd4f27". they place the characters higher up the screen than the default positions do. color="#228B22". kind=nvl) define fsm = Character('Moorhound'. init: $ middleleft = Position(xpos=270. color="#009900". label start: # This instruction plays a movie file as soon as the book starts. show_two_window=True) define s = Character('The Springs'. kind=nvl) define fsr = Character('Ram'. text. color="#000000".0. show_two_window=True) define narrator = Character(None.0. kind=nvl) define fsq = Character('Quercus'. # Place this instruction right before the first scene of your book.nvl_window.png" # These are other custom positions we have defined and are use in place of the default 'left' and 'right' positions built into Ren'Py. images.define q = Character('Quercus'. kind=nvl) define fsk = Character('King Hawthorn'. kind=nvl) # If Ren'Py does not support a particular kind of image movement animation by default then you can define custom movements yourself. kind=nvl) define fsnarrator = Character(None. show_two_window=False) define parents = Character('Parents'. 'nvl_window. color="#56c142". color="#000000". "slideright") define slideup = CropMove(1. color="#bd4f27". In the case of these positions.g if the book is in an 800x600 window theb ' nvl_window. kind=nvl) define fsw = Character('Willow'.png' should be this size too. color="#000000". ypos=395) # The book starts here. Movies in Ren'Py should . animations.png' is an image you create that will be the same size as your book's window (e. show_two_window=True) # In these definitions. define fsp = Character('Primrose'. show_two_window=True) define r = Character('Ram'. define slidedown = CropMove(1. kind=nvl) define fsl = Character('Larch'. color="#228B22". color="#993300". Some examples are below – the Ren'Py manual has a full guide to programming such movements. All instructions that relate to displaying backgrounds. "slideleft") define slideright = CropMove(1. "slideup") # The instruction below overlays an image over the background image in the scenes where the narrative text is overlaid on the background instead of in the narrative box. color="#228B22". we have removed 'show_two_window=True' and replaced it with 'kind=nvl'.0. A common use for this is to overlay a dark transparent layer over the background s that the overlaid text is easier to read.background = "nvl_window. color="#000000". "slidedown") define slideleft = CropMove(1.empty_window = nvl_show_core style. init python: config. Fiddlers Ferry power station in Merseyside. it wipes the screen and any characters displayed on it clean and you have to define the positions of the characters and other overlaid images again. or just 'The Nab' to us locals. In this opening scene. Again. The area is popular with walkers and a network of hiking trails criss-cross the area. " # Once the user presses a key after the above speech is shown. # 'nvl clear' and 'window hide'. the script goes to the next instruction down in the script and fades out the music track. (0. (0. the scene begins with the 'scene bg' statement." . a private fishing lake. lies an area of countryside known as Healey Nab. in the heart of glorious Lancashire. 800. The summit is Grey Heights and near to it. and (b) to make the narrative box at the base of the screen invisible.theora." narrator "Grey Heights and its cairn of stones at 682 feet offer fine views over Chorley and it is possible to see the skyline of Preston. meanwhile. 'fsnarrator' (a term we defined at the top of the script) tells the book not to do anything else until a key is pressed. followed by the background name that you defined at the top of the script. fsnarrator "Press the Space key or the left mouse button to advance forward a page.0 show healey logo with fade # Putting narrative text inbetween the spech marks on the fsnarrator statement overlays the speech over the background. is a disused quarry known as Devil's Rock. Each time you use this statement. scene bg dawn with fade narrator "Above the busy market town of Chorley.ogv' # Backgrounds in a scene are displayed by using the 'scene bg' instruction. 300).mp3" fsnarrator " " stop music fadeout 1. Press the right mouse button at any time to bring up the Options menu. tell the book (a) that it is a scene where narrative text will be overlaid on the background instead of in the narrative box. in the centre of the Nab Woods. 'Bottom Lodge' and 'Top Lodge'. play music "silver-shine. the next scene of the book will begin. 600)." narrator "The Healey Nab area has two small man-made lakes. Press PgUp / PgDn or use the mouse wheel to move back or forward a page. 600. the silhouette of Blackpool Tower and the Irish Sea.be in a format called Theora. 400. 20. The two lines below that tell the book to fade in the book's logo image. Once the key is pressed. 600). # Note that in this scene we are using 'narrator' instead of 'fsnarrator'. scene bg dawn at Zoom((800. 25) with fade nvl clear window hide # The 'play music' instruction plays an audio file. Ask Fleet where to get an excellent free movie file converter from. This tells the book to display the text in the narrative box instead of overlaying it on the background. show movie play movie 'Intro-large. we have also used the 'at zoom' instruction to tell the book to fade the background in and then pan cinematically across it. Spriggs? Yes. whichever you prefer. hot stillness. although their voices were ." narrator "It is in the Nab Woods that our story begins. bracken and clumps of fleece." narrator "They did not possess tails. The Nab gleams with newness and excitement as days lengthen. It was said that the Spriggs spoke a language all of their own. for they really are the most charming little creatures . In some areas. bringing with it the dog days of long. As the notoriously unpredictable British weather permitted calmer days for the public. Leaves rustle underfoot as you walk the many paths in the dappled light." narrator "For generations. dear reader. When the great Frost casts his mighty hand across the Nab during the great chill of January." narrator "As their own body fur was very thin." narrator "But fear not. Midsummer madness abounds as dragonflies dance among the meadows and deer cautiously dart between the trees. an ethereal dawn visitor." # In the scene below we introduce a new positioning variable. They stood roughly twelve inches tall . the woods have watched over Chorley. Their ears were rabbit-like and they also possessed two leaf-like growths on either side of their heads. One could describe them as part plant." narrator "Each season is special at Healey Nab. This tells the book to show an image in the dead centre of the screen.or people. The Spriggs were a peaceful and shy race who had dwelt in the woods of Healey Nab for a tremendously long time. dear reader." narrator "Hoar frost adorns the larches and pines in delicate beauty. little round faces and stubby muzzles that somewhat resembled otters. you may well be asking yourself what a Sprigg is." narrator "How long exactly remained a mystery." narrator "During winter.. Nowadays they have visitors of different kinds. as did their origins. mountain bikers and ramblers all come from near and far to enjoy this beautiful part of Lancashire. scene bg nab woods with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 2 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg nab woods narrator "Spring had melted into Summer at Healey Nab. little boots and dresses woven from moss. When spring arrives. Winter is not a dead time at the Nab. it is merely sleeping.. Autumn brings a riot of color to the woods. For it was here that the Spriggs lived. Morning mist veils Top Lodge and the reservoirs. 'truecenter'. What this does is tell the book to display that section of narrative text inside speech marks to indicate when someone is talking." narrator "Summer arrives. or something that someone said is being quoted. the trees and heathlands are transformed into a sparkling wonderland of ice and snow. \"as tall as a pair of wellington boots. secret paths are revealed as the foliage recedes. part animal. the woods became busier with ramblers and those trying their luck on the tricky mountain bike trails. during winter they stripped bark from the trees to wear." narrator "The dog walkers. # Another new thing is putting \" and \" at the start and end of a sentence.narrator "From Chorley." narrator "You'll find the fields surrounding the woods dotted with knock-kneed lambs. so do the snowdrops and the first green shoots. Spriggs were skilled at making their own clothing from the resources their woodland home provided and adorned themselves in robes." narrator"So friendly and alive were the woods . 'The Nab' dominates the landscape and is the first significant height gain in the transition from a heavily-populated area to the moorland of the West Pennine Moors." narrator "To witness the silent snowfall atop Grey Heights on the Winter Solstice lifts the soul and feeds one's imagination.and yet they held a secret. in others it is wonderfully alive. these peaceful acres having been Royal hunting grounds in medieval times.or as they put it.\"" narrator "Spriggs had very short brown fur. scene bg secret pathways with fade narrator "It is said that in all walks of life there are those who follow the crowd and those who don't. scene bg secret pathways with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 3 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " # This scene below is where we start to see \" and \" used regularly.said to be too low for a human to hear." # This is the first instance of the script where we overlay a character PNG cut-out over the background.except for a very tiny handful of local people who claimed to have witnessed \"the gradely little folk on 't Nab. and the book will crash when run if the pasting is incorrect. define the image in a scene all on its own and use the fsnarrator “ “ instruction to make the book wait for the keypress." # If you want to make the book wait for a keypress before moving on. on a beautiful July morning. its purpose here is to place speech marks around what a character is saying in the narrative box.. At the top of the script we defined an image frame called 'primrose singing'. and then add it to each line of speech later. Primrose was one of those people. and don't conform to the conventional. that another day began. so that an image (such as a chapter heading) stays on the screen.. This is probably the most bothersome part of writing a Ren'Py script. cursed with a vivid imagination and a longing to witness the world beyond the woods. as you have to copy and paste \" and \" in front of every line of speech a character says." narrator "The \“little folk\" came to be known as the guardians of the Nab. Her emerald eyes lit up as she surveyed the latest 'treasure' left by human hands. she had quite forgotten that she had been instructed to gather some pine cones for her mum." narrator "She was a spirited young Sprigg. All it means is that your characters' lines of speech will not have speech marks around them." narrator "The Spriggs made pine needle tea to drink and they only ventured out of the woods in order to catch a fish or two from nearby Blue Waters quarry." narrator "Primrose sang as she skipped through the bracken.\"" narrator "A few stories and folklore sprang up over the years. We call it here with 'show' and then put a 'with fade' instruction below to tell the book to fade the frame in instead of making it appear suddenly out of thin air.. But instead of putting speech marks in a piece of descriptive prose. they are the ones who plow their own furrow." # The 'hide' instruction removes a a specific image from the screen so that you can overlay something else in that position without having to use the 'scene' instruction to wipe the entire stage. show primrose singing with fade p "\"One day I shall embark upon a fantastic adventure!\"♬" narrator "Presently she came across something that was a source of wonder indeed.. Children who played in the woods spoke often of seeing little footprints and faint laughter coming from the trees." narrator "Spriggs remained invisible to humans. So it was. . which was behind the woods. # So it may be easier not to use \" and \" when first writing the script. anyone who wasn't a Sprigg and did not live in Nab Woods. show primrose smiling small at middleleft p "\"Mom. the 'shocked' character animation frame will not appear until after a key is pressed." # Below." narrator "Primrose looked carefully at the clear plastic bottle. Each subsequent scene uses a similar pattern of scene definition and then character speech definition and image frame display. This is how you change a character's frame of animation.\"" . we set the character frame to the custom 'middleleft' position we defined earlier. show primrose blank small at middleleft show laurel happy small at middleright # A further important tip: a 'show' instruction should always precede a line of narrative text. we show an image of a drinks can.do the 'show' instruction. Dad! Look. and a little further down we display another character nearby with the custom 'middleright' position. etc) # You have now grasped the basics of Ren'Py script construction.look how the sun shines through it! Please may I keep it? I'm going to show it to Larch. Otherwise if you write a narrative line stating that. but merely litter. We'll add it to the collection at once!\"" show primrose smiling small at middleleft show laurel smiling small at middleright narrator "The Spriggs. so that when the book reader presses a key. la "\"Two in two days? Incredible. for example. Summer always brings so many gifts from the Outsiders.or to be more precise. we show a new image frame for the same character. oh you must look! Another gift! The Outsiders have left us another gift! Isn't it the most grand of things you ever did see?\"" narrator "The Outsiders was the name Spriggs gave to humans .hide primrose singing # In its place." hide primrose smiling small hide laurel smiling small show drinks can look narrator " " scene bg prologue show primrose alarmed small at middleleft show laurel okay small at middleright p "\"This one is special . in their innocence. making it easily to quickly build a script using copy and paste. facial expression." scene bg prologue with fade # Here. which will confuse the reader if the previous animation frame (which might show Primrose smiling) is displayed whilst the 'Primrose is shocked' line is in the narrative box. show drinks can narrator "She picked up the empty plastic drink bottle and hurried back to her family. the former frame will automatically be replaced with the new one (which may have a new pose. were unaware that the items left by the wood's human visitors were not gifts at all. and -then. Primrose is shocked. " show larch frowning reverse at left show primrose blank at right l "\"I'd love to. mostly green. shall we go exploring?\"" show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose crestfallen at right narrator "Larch sighed.\"" show primrose blank at right p "\"Good idea! Now. lazy bones! I've got something to show you!\"" narrator "Primrose handed him the plastic bottle." show larch bottle at left show primrose singing at right l "\"Oh wow. that's a beauty! Never seen a clear one before.she'll surprise us all one day!\"" scene bg primrose yell with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator " " fsnarrator "Primrose reached the stubby fir tree where her best friend Larch lived and called to him loudly to draw his attention to her presence." fsp "\"Larch! LARCH! Can you hear me?\"" fsnarrator "A sleepy Larch yawned as he stretched his arms and reluctantly opened the front door." show larch yawning small fsl "\"How could I not hear?\"" scene bg fields with fade show primrose smiling at right p "\"Morning..\"" narrator "There was a rustling and Larch's excitable younger sister appeared. but take good care of it as it looks to be a very precious gift.\"" q "\"Don't worry too much. I'm babysitting Willow again. problem solved! Off we go. You should hang it from a tree and then it'll catch the light.I'll collect them later. Bye!\"" show primrose running small at offscreenleft with move narrator "Primrose's mum sighed as her carefree daughter ran off again and turned to her husband." scene bg nab woods with fade show quercus smiling at truecenter show laurel cross at right la "\"What am I going to do about her? Daydreams all the time.show laurel happy small at middleright show primrose singing small at middleleft la "\"Well alright.\"" show larch frowning at right ." show willow smiling at center with fade show larch handheldout at right show primrose smiling at left w "\"Hello Primrose! You two going out playing? I'm coming too!\"" show primrose singing at left p "\"There.. Oh. I promise. never concentrates on her work. Our Primrose is a smart lass . and where are those pine cones I asked you to collect?\"" show primrose worried small reverse at middleleft scene bg prologue with vpunch show laurel smiling small at middleright show primrose worried small reverse at middleleft p "\"Oops. Usually they come in different colors. but I can't. # As we explained earlier.\"" narrator "Larch showed a distinct lack of enthusiasm." show willow annoyed at Move((350. 'center'. we set up a situation where a character is animated without the reader having to press a key to display each frame of animation." show larch confident at right l "\"What are we going to do today. 'center'). I just know it. which marked the summit of the Nab." scene bg winter hill with fade show primrose smiling at left show larch smiling at right show willow smiling at center narrator "The three Spriggs skipped through the dappled light of the trees and headed towards the Grey Heights cairn." p "\"See that? That's where I want to go!\"" show larch afraid at right narrator "Larch suddenly became afraid and began trembling.. Bad.the animation so that it does not begin until the reader presses a key -after." show larch sad reverse at right l "\"D-do you know what you're saying? L-leave the woods? You know we can't do that! It's forbidden. 'center'.. narrator "On hearing this.surely you can't have forgotten why. In this case. Bad things lurking out there..and I was wondering if you'd like to come with me. 360.\"" show primrose back turned at left show larch frowning at right narrator "Primrose pointed towards Winter Hill. we make the young girl character Willow jump up and down on the spot by moving the character's animation frame up the screen.. (350." l "\"You're too young to be told about it yet." show primrose neutral at left l "\"Three's a crowd. repeat=True. Willow jumped up and down.. 'center'). and then looping that up-down motion until the reader presses a key. 0. I'm going to go on an adventure. You know you'll only get in the way!\"" show willow tongue reverse at center show larch speaking at right narrator "Willow stuck her tongue out at him.. Tthe. bounce=False) ." show larch frowning at right show primrose cross at left p "\"I'm not going to be in the woods. and turned to Willow.\"" # Here.Moorhound lurks out there!\"" show willow annoyed at center w "\"What's a Moorhound?\"" show primrose smiling reverse at left show larch speaking at right show willow neutral at center narrator "Larch looked at Willow apprehensively. we put the narrator statement -before.5. 395.the 'Willow jumped up and down' statement is displayed in the narrative box.. It's going to be tremendously fun. then? Another treasure hunt?\"" show primrose neutral at left show larch speaking at right p "\"No. then down.narrator "Larch pulled a face at Primrose at this statement. I bet it's something that bites!\"" show primrose blank reverse at left show larch sad reverse at right p "\"Have you ever seen it at night? It glows in the dark with red lights!\"" show willow neutral at center show larch afraid at right l "\"Yes." narrator "Its bark echoed for miles and it was feared by the Spriggs as a merciless and bloodthirsty .. referring to the television signal transmitter mast. And the mysterious white thing on it. I think it's just a silly story made up by the Sprigg elders to scare them into not having adventures!\"" show willow neutral at center show larch sad reverse at right l "\"Rubbish.why would they do that?\"" show willow neutral reverse at center show primrose shouting reverse at left show larch speaking at right p "\"Because grown-ups are boring and have no sense of fun!\"" narrator "Primrose looked at Winter Hill again. it's crazy!\"" show willow tongue at center show primrose cross reverse at left narrator "Primrose remained defiant.." show willow neutral reverse at center show larch frowning at right p "\"I don't believe in that stupid Moorhound... okay. What do you suppose it really is?\"" narrator "She was of course.. those are its eyes. just be patient! Primrose. It would definitely see us coming and maybe alert the Moorhound. you need to put this idea out of your head.or maybe eat us first!\"" show primrose cross reverse at left show willow neutral reverse at center show larch speaking at right p "\"The Red Eyed Hill..show primrose crestfallen reverse at left show larch frowning at right w "\"No I'm not! If you don't tell me then I'll start screaming!\"" show larch speaking at right show primrose blank reverse at left l "\"Whoa.. whose haunting cry is echoed in its howl. so the stories told. the great Moorhound had prowled the West Pennine moors for centuries. maybe the whole world.I just have to climb it!\"" scene bg woodland path with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 4 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg woodland path with fade narrator "Born to the sound of the north wind... a well-known landmark for miles around." show primrose back turned at left show willow neutral reverse at center show larch frowning at right p "\"It's surely got to be the highest point in the land. okay." show larch speaking at right show willow neutral reverse at center l "\"I've no idea. With so many eyes it can see things wherever they are. standing beside her. as well as couple of bottlecaps for good luck. Except when we venture to the Blue Waters to catch food." show primrose shouting reverse at center p "\"I've never been more serious. I'm sure of it. She could hold someone in a fearsome half nelson wrestling clutch when angered!" scene bg dawn second with fade narrator "Dawn broke across the land and all was still at Healey Nab. It's not going to stop me having an adventure! I've decided that as soon as dawn breaks tomorrow. no Sprigg has suffered any serious harm. Hopefully I can get to the Red Eyed Hill before nightfall. wait!\"" narrator "Primrose turned round to see Larch hurrying towards her.\"" show primrose shouting reverse at center p "\"Nobody has ever seen this so-called Moorhound." show larch speaking at right l "\"I'm not so sure. So how do they know it's really out there?\"" show larch frowning at right l "\"Well." show primrose cross reverse at center p "\"Oh." show hawthorn speaking at center k "\"The Moorhound keeps to its realm out on the moors." show primrose neutral at center show larch confident at right l "\"You weren't thinking of going without your best friend were you?\"" show primrose singing at center p "\"Of course not! Think you can keep up with me?\"" . Except one small Sprigg.\"" show primrose cross reverse at center p "\"It's a hoax.\"" k "\"Those that do will surely meet their doom." narrator "She had fashioned herself a small satchel made from tree bark.\"" scene bg blue waters with fade show primrose back turned at center narrator "As she made her way past the Blue Waters quarry and towards the open moorland that lay beyond. One must not wander any further from the woods than the Blue Waters." show primrose cross at center p "\"If no-one will come with me then I'll go on my own! It looks like it's going to be a sunny day. This pact has remained unbroken for many years and shall continue to do so and because of it. And I intend to prove it. a voice called out.\"" hide hawthorn speaking narrator "Primrose muttered under her breath. If you're scared then you needn't come." who "\"Hey. I'm leaving!\"" show larch afraid at right l "\"What?! You can't be serious?\"" narrator "Several other Spriggs turned round and ordered Primrose and Larch to quieten down. which was sufficient to hold a few whimberries and minnows wrapped up in oak leaves. Primrose wasn't a Sprigg to mess with when her heart was set on something.\"" show larch speaking at right narrator "Primrose lowered her voice to an angry whisper. you don't always have to see something in order to know it's there. Primrose had made up her mind and she wasn't staying here a moment longer. who was furtively making her way to the edge of the wood. and we Spriggs keep to ours here in the woods. what utter rot! I don't believe a word of it!\"" narrator "Larch.creature that would think nothing of devouring anything unlucky enough to cross its path. However. you breathe one word of this to anyone and you'll wish you'd never been born!\"" show larch frowning at right narrator "Larch blinked. gulped. Primrose. hikers and dog walkers who passed through the woods. " fsnarrator "A deer cautiously edged its way along the trail. muttered. '445' is the vertical height on the background that the deer is positioned at. 'center'. \"They're goners for sure. Let's just start walking and see where we end up. King Hawthorn tried his best to comfort the distressed parents of the two missing Springs. # The line below tells the deer to keep walking until it is 300 points offscreen on the left side (so that the character frame has totally disappeared offscreen and is not showing a hand or backside sticking out of the edge of the screen!). '445' is also low enough that the deer's legs are displayed below the bottom of the screen and so you can use a single animation frame to portray movement across the screen. 445. 'center'. it's a journey into the unknown really. casting a spider's web of lace-like patterns on the cyclists. The X position '900' tells the book to start the character's motion 100 points offscreen on the right hand side of an 800 point wide background." show hawthorn thoughtful at left show laurel upset at center show quercus worried at right narrator "Bracken. They were actually on the moorland of Black Coppice. bounce=False) fsnarrator " " fsnarrator "They had no idea how far they had traveled or indeed their current location.\"" narrator "Oak and Sycamore chipped in." scene bg nab woods with fade narrator "The Spriggs back at the wood were in uproar when it was discovered that Primrose and Larch had left. 445. The best adventures aren't planned. Well. repeat=False.\"" narrator "And so the two Spriggs left their home of Healey Nab woods behind as their adventure began. but the general opinion was not an optimistic one. 8. (-300. a shadow on the horizon.show larch smiling reverse at right l "\"You bet! So. oh woe!\"" scene bg winter hill with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator "The setting sun speared through the branches." # The animation scene below differs from the vertical 'Willow jumping' sequence earlier in that it makes a deer walk horizontally across the screen from off-stage on the right side of the screen to off-stage on the left side. the deer would travel horizontally upwars or downwards. The higher the number. ears twitching. \"The Moorhound will hunt them down. # We set the Y position again at '445' because we want the deer to walk in a straight line. show deer walk at Move((900. where exactly are we going?\"" show primrose smiling at center p "\"To climb the Red Eyed Hill. the outline of Healey Nab woods lay. If it were a lower value or higher. Experiment to find the number that suits your particular scene. # '8' refers to the speed at which the character frame is moved across the screen." scene bg winter hill bushes show larch tired small at center . ever alert to the threat of danger. In the distance. one of the oldest Spriggs. the slower the motion. 'center'). 'center'). He was cold and damp too. haunting sound that seemed to emanate from all around. one that only Spriggs could hear. Rubbing his eyes.. the Spriggs fell into uneasy sleep." scene bg winter hill bushes nvl clear window hide show larch layawake at right fsnarrator "The young Sprigg retreated back under the bush at the sight of the mist. they'll take your mind off that silly old Moorhound! Oh.not even the faintest breeze could be heard brushing against the leaves . It was almost as if the wood itself was mourning the departure of Primrose and Larch.\"" scene bg winter hill bushes nvl clear window hide show primrose sleeping at left show larch sleeping at right fsnarrator "Overcome by their experiences. sleeping under the gorse bush.and yet there was a noise. I wish I'd brought some pine needle tea along.\"" narrator "Larch was too worried about the Moorhound to relax. wishing he was safe and well within its boundaries. This moor is so wide and open and there's nowhere to hide.\"" narrator "Primrose's voice was reduced to a low whisper by her own tiredness. The Nab was strangely silent ." scene bg winter hill bushes show larch yawning at right with fade narrator "Larch woke and stretched." l "\"We must've traveled miles. The dew had formed overnight and moistened everything. Beads of dew glistened on a spider's web." show larch berries at center show primrose crestfallen at right p "\"Eat these. I don't feel safe here at all." show larch speaking reverse l "\"I wonder if it can smell us out here?\"" narrator "Primrose handed him some whimberries. But it'll have to do for tonight." fsnarrator "A faint." narrator "Back home in the comfort of Nab woods." show larch frowning at center p "\"Too tired to run. He panted with exhaustion as Primrose tried to settle under a bush. This gorse is scratchy and prickly.." scene bg winter hill bushes dark with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 5 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg winter hill bushes dark with fade nvl clear window hide show larch sleeping at right fsnarrator "The world was still in darkness as the morning mist arrived to spread a ghostly veil across the Pennines. It was hugging . but I couldn't carry much else. he was shielded from such things. he ventured out into the open. You have to rough it a bit if you want a proper adventure.show primrose sleeping at right narrator "Larch looked longingly at his home. He'd had an uncomfortable night. I was just looking around. I like it. Larch had seen mist many times before. She called out his name at the top of her voice. there was nothing to restrain it. I don't like this mist! It's all around us!\"" narrator "For the first time since the previous day. It will shield us and stop us from being seen." fsnarrator "Now. Larch scratched his head thoughtfully" show larch speaking reverse at center show primrose smiling reverse at right l "\"Do you have any idea where we're going?\"" show primrose back turned at right p "\"Not really. Something gleamed in the heather and Larch bent down to pick it up.\"" scene bg fields 2 with fade narrator "The two Spriggs continued their journey across the moor. Thick mud would have been hard going on his little moss-covered feet.\"" narrator "Primrose jumped at his sudden touch.\"" narrator "The ground was dotted with large stones. He looked carefully at the object." show primrose smiling at center p "\"Mist can't harm you. but I have a hunch we're going in the right direction to reach the Red Eyed Hill. I like the mist but now I'd like it to clear as I bet there's a terrific view from up here. fearing some terrible mishap had befallen her friend. wanting to consume him." narrator "Larch was relieved that the ground became gradually drier as they continued. Pushing through it was difficult when you were only as tall as a pair of wellingtons." scene bg winter hill bushes with fade show primrose crestfallen at center narrator "Primrose finally left the realms of slumber and panic hit her as she realized Larch wasn't beside her. He placed his paw gently on her back to reassure her." show primrose shouting reverse at center show larch frowning at right p "\"Don't go wandering off then!\"" show larch speaking at right l "\"I didn't." narrator "Larch pushed through the heather and emerged beside Primrose." show primrose alarmed at center with vpunch narrator "Primrose gathered herself and snapped at Larch. I'm here! Try not to make so much noise.\"" show larch smiling reverse at right l "\"It's a cold and clinging wetness and I think it's given me a chill. which unbeknown to him was a . but it was always kept in check by the trees of Nab woods." show larch sad reverse at right l "\"Ssh." show larch speaking reverse at center l "\"Is it just me or is this moor getting steeper every step we take?\"" narrator "Primrose called back to Larch from a couple of feet in front of him.\"" scene bg fields narrator "The mist was with them all the way as they trudged onwards and upwards through the dark bracken that gave Black Coppice its name. There was a dim but persistent sense of fear out here that he couldn't fathom. startled." show primrose blank reverse at right with fade p "\"Yes it is. a smile broke across Primrose's face and the tension between the two friends evaporated like mist under morning sun.the ground all around him. He wanted to go home. My poor little feet are all frozen!\"" show primrose singing at center p "\"We'd better continue our journey and see if we can find something to eat along the way. out on this bare moor. Horrible thing!\"" scene bg fields narrator "Presently. Primrose! This sheep is a woolly bully!\"" show primrose joyous at right show ram leap at left narrator "The Spriggs did not fear sheep." show primrose smiling at right show larch sitting at center show ram front at left l "\"Sincere apologies." . She grabbed the largest stick she could find and hurried to help her friend.they only eat grass!\"" show ram leap reverse at left show primrose smiling at right scene bg fields with fade narrator "Eventually the two Spriggs were able to calm down the startled animal into standing still. Didn't mean to step on you!\"" narrator "The gruff old ram accepted Larch's apology. Larch gratefully leapt to the ground. sheep won't eat us ." show ram laying at right show larch sad at center narrator "He soon found out how wrong he was when the mound suddenly came to life and moved!" show larch afraid at center l "\"Agggh!\"" who "\"BAAAA!\"" scene bg fields show primrose shouting reverse at right narrator "Primrose heard the commotion from her location up ahead and ran back through the bracken in the direction of Larch. we change the ram character's animation frame continuously to show the sheep leaping about from side to side and so give the scene an energetic quality. " p "\"Larch! Where are you?\"" # In this scene. Larch climbed up what he thought was a large mound of mossy ground." show larch afraid at center l "\"Ouch!\"" narrator "Larch tossed the offending thing into a patch of bracken. are you feeling sheepish?\"" l "\"Not funny at all." p "\"Don't worry Larch. whom they had witnessed many times grazing in the fields surrounding Healey Nab woods.discarded cigarette end.to the back of a sheep!" p "\"Oh Larch. my ovine friend." show larch handheldout at center show primrose crestfallen at right l "\"Obviously some weird type of biting insect." show larch speaking reverse at center show primrose neutral at right l "\"I wonder what this is?\"" narrator "He touched the glowing end and yelped in pain as it burned his fingertip. scene bg fields with fade show ram leap reverse at left show primrose singing at right narrator "When she arrived she burst out laughing at the sight of Larch clinging for dear life . Primrose and Larch fled as fast as their small legs could carry . 'center')." p "\"RUN!\"" scene bg fields show larch primrose run at center narrator "Terrified beyond measure. What was it?\"" narrator "Primrose shook her head.." r "\"Haaa! No lass. we use the deer animation code to make the ram 'run'.." narrator "But now. 445.can't miss it. she'd convinced herself that the Moorhound her elders spoke about was just a story dreamt up to frighten young Spriggs into staying in the Nab woods. He turned and ran as fast as he could. along with several other sheep. show ram side reversed at Move((0.. but I didn't like it!\"" narrator "Larch's voice became barely audible." show larch speaking handheldout reverse at right show primrose blank reverse at left l "\"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?\"" show primrose neutral at center show larch frowning at right narrator "Primrose shuddered." show primrose neutral at left show larch frowning reverse at center p "\"I . she was beginning to wonder whether the story was in fact true. bounce=False) narrator "Larch gulped. Ever since she'd set out on this adventure. it frightened the old sheep." # In the following animation.. no good's coming when you hear that cry!\"" show ram side reversed short at left show larch speaking reverse at center show primrose worried at right narrator "The sheep wasn't going to hang around..show larch smiling reverse at center show ram side reversed short at left show primrose neutral at right r "\"What are you playing at though? There's nothing on Grain Pole Hill for you little forest folk!\"" show primrose alarmed at right show ram side reversed short at left show larch speaking at center p "\"Grain Pole Hill? Is that what they call the Red Eyed Hill? Are we there already?\"" narrator "The sheep found this hilarious. But listen. The main difference is that we have set the motion speed at '1' to make the ram travel very fast in order to reflect the fact that it is frightened. repeat=False. bleating in terror. The old ram shuddered.. 445. 'center'. that's a good few miles from here! But you're almost at the summit of Grain Pole. (1400. Then a twig snapped. vanishing into the mist. Aye." show larch speaking at right show primrose worried reverse at center l "\"That noise . you'll be meaning Winter Hill. we sheep love it. with sinister howls filling the air. their conversation was cut short as an eerie sound rent the air..\"" narrator "Suddenly." show larch afraid at center show primrose alarmed at right show ram alarmed at left with vpunch r "\"Ay up. 'center'. 1." show primrose back turned at center with vpunch show larch afraid at right with vpunch narrator "Primrose took Larch's hand and mouthed only one word. 'center').. I don't know. expecting the Moorhound to be standing over them. makes a character shake vertically as though startled. But.. the black shape revealed itself at last . who would surely catch them in seconds.them. given the circumstances. for looming in front of them out of the mist was a vast black shape." scene bg mist with fade show moorhound front at right show larch terror at center show primrose terror at left narrator "Their escape was in vain. Primrose and Larch were surprisingly quick.\"" narrator "The patch of bracken that they were hiding behind shuddered and the Moorhound uttered a whine. The 'with vpunch' instruction." l "\"What is he doing? Do you think he's injured or something?\"" show primrose shouting at right p "\"I don't think we should hang around to find out!\"" show larch sad at center show primrose crestfallen reverse at right . they knew they'd be no match for the mighty beast." show bracken at right show primrose alarmed at right show larch speaking reverse at center l "\"Where is he?\"" p "\"He could be anywhere. but stopped as they realized the feared beast wasn't chasing after them. The Spriggs ground to a halt. They crashed through bracken and tripped over clumps of heather. they turned round. and with teeth grinning white. dragging Larch down with her!" narrator "Fearing the worst.he wasn't there. ready to devour the two little Spriggs." show larch fall at center show primrose fall at center narrator "Primrose tripped over a stone." # The instruction 'with hpunch' is used to make a character frame shake horizontally briefly as though the character is shivering quickly. frozen with fear. show bracken at right with hpunch show primrose worried at right show larch afraid at center l "\"He's here!!!\"" show larch speaking at center show primrose worried reverse at right narrator "The two Spriggs turned to run again. meanwhile. It is said that the Moorhound can become invisible. blood-chilling howl. however. Amber eyes glinted in the gloom..the great Pennine Moorhound!" scene bg mist with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 6 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg mist with fade show larch afraid at center show primrose terror at center narrator "The Moorhound uttered a deep. cruel branches snagging at their bodies as they tried their best to dodge them. The Moorhound was lying on his side." l "\"Are you . He tiptoed over to the patch of bracken. If one of the characters (such as the Moorhound in this book) is particularly large then they can end up positioned in front of the other characters and obscure them.narrator "Larch was as curious as he was terrified." show moorhound wire eyemove at center show primrose worried at right . Humans dropping litter all over the place.. guttural voice. That way. they are always in the same position onscreen from frame to frame (unless you deliberately want to move the character. which were used to slash through thick undergrowth when running. # The way to ensure that a large character is displayed -behind. center or right) so that when you define a new 'show' frame for that character. trapped yes! Confound this discarded wire! Bound my paws so tight I can no longer walk properly! A curse on those careless hill walkers!\"" narrator "The Spriggs were somewhat confused and asked how it happened. right and center.. what do you think?\"" show moorhound wire wince at center show larch handheldout at left show primrose cross at right p "\"If we do." show moorhound wire wince at center show larch frowning reverse at left show primrose neutral at right m "\"Hurt no.the other characters seems to be to put that large character first in the list of 'show' instructions. do you promise not to eat us?\"" narrator "The Moorhound laughed." show primrose shouting at right show larch frowning reverse at center p "\"What are you doing? He'll eat you!\"" show larch speaking reverse at center l "\"No he won't . Please can you help me?\"" l "\"Primrose. There was no mistaking the sharp horns on either side of his head. # Another important tip is to keep track of where each character is standing on the stage (left.. Think of it like pasting a cut-out of a character on a piece of paper and then pasting other character cut-outs over the top of it. he's in trouble! Come here and see for yourself!\"" hide bracken with fade # During the production of this book script. hurt?\"" show primrose worried at right narrator "The dog responded in a deep. there were not many hitches but one particular one was in more complex scenes where a character was displayed on the left. you will end up having to go back and do corrections to the script fewer times! show moorhound wire at center show larch sad at left show primrose crestfallen at right narrator "Primrose gingerly walked over." show moorhound wire at center show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose crestfallen at right narrator "Larch was barely able to speak due to his fear and stammered out his words. and took a deep breath.. of course)." show moorhound wire at center show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose alarmed at right m "\"The way it always happens. " show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose back turned at right p "\"Is it like treasure? We get treasure left in Healey Nab woods all the time.. Now a nice plump sheep on the other hand . but no serious injury! Thank you so much." show moorhound wire at center show larch smiling at left show primrose smiling at right p "\"Spriggs always help whenever they can!\"" narrator "Primrose and Larch set to work carefully untangling the wire from the Moorhound's legs. humans. Primrose smiled at him." show moorhound smiling at center m "\"You foolish. You don't know the folly of encountering litter. Now I am free once more! But now we must discard this rotten wire to prevent anyone else falling victim to it.\"" narrator "Larch carefully wound it into a tight loop.\"" narrator "The Moorhound laughed so loud that it echoed across the moors." show moorhound neutral at center show larch smiling at left show primrose smiling at right m "\"A bit stiff.\"" narrator "Primrose looked at the bottlecaps. litter is very bad indeed." show moorhound neutral at center show primrose back turned reverse at right show larch sad at left . as the Moorhound's teeth and horns were wickedly sharp." scene bg mist with fade show moorhound freed at center show primrose sleeping reverse at right narrator "Their small fingers made short work of the tight binding. it is litter you hold in your hand!\"" show moorhound staring at center show primrose crestfallen at right show larch frowning reverse at left p "\"What? But these look so pretty! How could these blight the land?\"" show moorhound thoughtful at center show primrose cross at right narrator "The Moorhound sat down and told the two Spriggs about how a small number of humans disposed of their rubbish out in the countryside and how dangerous it was to wild animals.m "\"You little woodland people are too small to satisfy my appetite! I can't waste time on mere morsels like you. \"" narrator "Primrose was still wary. do you?\"" narrator "Primrose blinked. you call them . He rose to his feet and flexed his paws." show primrose crestfallen at right show larch frowning reverse at left p "\"Litter? What is that?\"" narrator "Primrose reached in her handmade bag and removed a collection of bottlecaps.alas. leave it for us to find.." show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose neutral at right l "\"Fascinating stuff. But the dog was in obvious distress and they could ignore him no longer.. Luckily not all humans are bad and many work hard to keep your little Healey Nab wood clean and tidy.. and in no time at all the Moorhound was free. it doesn't snap when you bite it! Had no idea this could be so dangerous!\"" narrator "The Moorhound shook his head sadly and sighed. The Outsiders . puzzled. naive creatures! Litter is the blight of the land ." m "\"So you see. young Spriggs.." show moorhound growl shorttail at center show larch speaking reverse at left show primrose blank at right m "\"Oh ye of little knowledge.. " fsnarrator "It was a raging inferno... does it?\"" show moorhound howl at center narrator "The Moorhound sniffed the air. Something is making them water.\"" show moorhound howl at center show larch coughing at left show primrose crestfallen at right ." show moorhound staring at center show primrose neutral at right show larch speaking reverse at left l "\"The mist doesn't seem to be clearing at all. That's a device for putting litter in.. but a Moorhound can run faster than fire and faster than the wind that's fanning the flames. Hey." fsnarrator "The Spriggs always kept wooden pails of water close by when they started a campfire. rapidly consuming the moorland in front of them at an alarming rate.p "\"What shall I do with these then?\"" m "\"Keep hold of them for now. and hold on tight." show larch speaking reverse at left l "\"Is it sunset already?\"" show moorhound neutral at center narrator "The Moorhound looked on in horror. what's that strange orange glow over there?\"" narrator "Larch squinted as smoke started blowing towards them. They are bottlecaps. For I shall take you to the highest point in my realm. Not the most dangerous bits of litter I've seen.. The fire they were witnessing now was a million miles away from the campfires they were used to.they made small campfires in order to heat up their pine needle tea. it's FIRE! A moorland fire! Danger! We've got to get away from it right now!\"" show moorhound growl shorttail at left show larch coughing at left show primrose coughing at right narrator "The two Spriggs were already coughing. The heat from it was intense." scene bg flames with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator "Primrose had been taught from a young age about how it could burn you and how quickly it could spread if not carefully monitored. But you must put them and the wire in the nearest bin. a place of safety." scene bg mist smoke with fade show moorhound thoughtful at center show larch coughing at left show primrose coughing at right l "\"It'll destroy anything in its path! We'll never be able to outrun it!\"" narrator "The Moorhound looked at them." show primrose crying at right show larch terror at left show moorhound growl shorttail at center m "\"Maybe not. You helped me. it's something else. now it is my turn to help you. They knew all about fire .\"" narrator "The two Spriggs nodded." m "\"It's not mist I can smell ." m "\"That's no sunset! I know what that is .\"" m "\"Climb on my back young Spriggs.\"" show moorhound growl shorttail at center show primrose crying at right show larch handheldout at left p "My eyes are hurting. Truly.m "\"I must howl too . bounce=False) show moorhound flying at left s "\"We're the wind!!\"" scene bg blue waters with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator "The fire was soon far behind them as they bounded up higher and higher ground.. 1. it's smoke!\"" show hawthorn thoughtful at center narrator "Flames as far as the eye could see. Then he noticed the fire." scene bg mist smoke nvl clear window hide show moorhound flying short at left fsnarrator "The Spriggs cried out with exhilaration as they traversed several acres of land in just a few minutes. We must make haste!\"" narrator "Larch and Primrose clambered on to the Moorhound's back. Most of Black Coppice was on fire. as we are depicting rapid motion across a landscape by horizontally scrolling a very long background quickly on a loop whilst the character frame is static in front of the background. 'center'). He ventured outside the woods on the north side. nothing was fleeter of foot than a Pennine Moorhound. 300. scene bg mist smoke show mist smoke loop at Move((300. the fire . He began processing the situation in his mind" k "\"By the blazes. 'center').. (3300.to alert the good humans out there." # This is an unusual animation in this scene. if it reaches us we're all done for!\"" show hawthorn worried at center ." k "\"It isn't mist after all. and all at once they were off as the Moorhound sprinted across the vast hillside. The ride was as thrilling as it was terrifying. more swift and graceful than a racehorse. repeat=True. 300. creating the illusion that it is the character moving. 'center'. But then a horrible thought brought her to her senses. Larch grabbed his horns. Then they shall come and create immense fountains of water." fsp "\"Oh gosh. Barely a mile away and rapidly closing. An adventure beyond Primrose's wildest dreams. King Hawthorn had felt uneasy all morning and was not in the mood for company. The ground was tinder dry due to the lack of recent rainfall. He felt his strength drain from him. rather like a cyclist gripping handlebars. it's heading straight for Nab woods!\"" scene bg nab woods smoke with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 7 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg nab woods smoke with fade show hawthorn speaking at center narrator "The mist seemed to be turning thicker and darker and flowing through the Nab woods at an alarming rate. This is a timeless technique used in old movies and some vintage videogames / amusement arcade games. 'center'. Primrose gripped Larch's waist. " fsnarrator "\"It's almost as if whatever supernatural beast prowls the moors tries to warn us." sy "\"King Hawthorn! The moor is on fire!\"" show hawthorn sigh at center narrator "The King sighed wearily at this rather obvious revelation. for the people of Chorley and the surrounding areas heard it too." show moorhound freed reverse at center m "\"Welcome to the summit of Winter Hill!\"" show larch terror at right show primrose terror at center show moorhound thoughtful at left narrator "Out of nowhere. which always seemed to occur before a disaster. Round up Oak. He cupped his paws together and placed them to his mouth to help his voice travel farther. They were no stranger to the strange howls." show moorhound neutral at center show larch fall at right show primrose terror at center m "\"What's the matter?\"" ." k "\"Yes ." fsnarrator "The emergency services wasted no time in hurrying to the scene.narrator "King Hawthorn hurried back to warn the others. King Hawthorn shuddered. huge aerials loomed at them and he halted as his two passengers began screaming. Then he stopped running.\" one man said as he noticed the smoke pouring from the moors." scene bg winter hill aerials with fade narrator "Meanwhile. Maybe it fears it too!\"" show hawthorn speaking with hpunch narrator "Suddenly an eerie howl echoed in the distance." scene bg secret pathways smoke with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator "The moorland fire did come perilously close to the edge of the Nab woods but was extinguished in the nick of time. The Moorhound was startled. some distance away from the Nab woods." k "\"But where could we go to? These woods are our home! There's nowhere else we could go to!\"" show hawthorn speaking at center narrator "He heard the Sprigg Sycamore calling across to him from nearby.. Tell them to prepare everyone to evacuate the woods. no thanks to the many firefighters drafted in from all across the county. Spruce and the other elders. Speed was everything where moorland fires were concerned. the Moorhound was bounding effortlessly up the slopes of Winter Hill. Bracken.\"" show hawthorn thoughtful at center sy "\"Evacuate to where? We Spriggs have never left Nab woods! Besides which. I know. Everyone would have to leave Nab woods at once. the Moorhound lurks out there!\"" k "\"Right now I fear the fire more than the Moorhound." show hawthorn alarmed at center k "\"That's the Moorhound for sure!\"" scene bg housing estate with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator "King Hawthorn wasn't the only one who heard the cry.. but Mother Nature intervened later that day as the heavens opened. The bone-dry ground would've been likely to flare up again. . But you're also fun to talk to. I have no idea what for but they won't harm you. They're full of water to put out the fire. young one." show moorhound growl shorttail at left show larch frowning at right show primrose blank at center m "\"Maybe not. stammering. The eyes are just lights that stop things flying into it at night.\"" show moorhound thoughtful reverse at left m "\"Being a misunderstood creature is something I'm used to.\"" show primrose alarmed at center p "\"Birds?\"" show moorhound neutral short at left show primrose blank at center m "\"Maybe.. Oh.. We all believe that if we do then we'll get eaten . Humans built them many years ago. It means that help is on the way! Look. They're called masts." show primrose worried at center show larch afraid at right l "\"Those things . I couldn't eat anyone who was interesting to talk to. quite sure. you can see the red machines on the road way down there..\"" show larch smiling at right show primrose smiling at center l "\"King Hawthorn needs to know the truth. Nothing to fear from me. but more likely human flying machines. Everyone is wrong about the Moorhound." show larch speaking at right show primrose crestfallen at center show moorhound smiling reverse at left m "\"They're not alive." show larch handheldout at right show primrose cross at center l "\"We Spriggs were never supposed to leave the woods of Healey Nab. at least that's what a horse told me once.. you can hear the sirens. or transmitters . I think your woods will be okay.. by you!\"" show moorhound smiling reverse full at left m "\"I wouldn't eat Spriggs! As I said earlier.that separates . That's a good sign.\"" m "\"There's a road called Higher House Lane . You can see the whole world! To think. will they eat us?!\"" narrator "The Moorhound laughed loudly.I got that from the horse's mouth . we've lived in Healey Nab woods all our lives and we didn't know all this wonderful stuff existed!\"" show larch happy at right show primrose back turned at center show moorhound neutral short at left p "\"But look at the horrible fire burning in the distance! If it reaches the woods our home will be destroyed and all the other Spriggs will be in danger!\"" narrator "The Moorhound's ears pricked up. and you saved my life too. Listen.narrator "Larch pointing to the mast." show larch confident at right l "\"What a fantastic view. You don't know much about the world. do you?\"" narrator "The two Spriggs shook their heads sadly. you little folk are too small. the one that has red eyes when darkness falls! A-Are you sure it's not alive?\"" show primrose back turned at center show larch speaking reverse at right show moorhound thoughtful reverse at left m "\"Oh yes..\"" show primrose worried at center show larch speaking at right show moorhound staring reverse at left p "\"But that big one ..\"" narrator "Larch gasped as he admired the scenery. " show moorhound neutral at center show primrose smiling at right show larch smiling at left . which he planned to share with everyone upon their return home. The fire never burns roads away." # This is another scene where we had problems with images being displayed in front and obscuring those behind it." show primrose back turned at center show larch sad reverse at right s "\"Let's hope so. despite being litter. rain had suddenly arrived. then the bin. making it look as though they were standing behind the fence. The Moorhound was inclined to agree. the frame immediately after the bin is the Moorhound so that he does not obscure the other two smaller characters on the stage by appearing in front of them. We'd need a much bigger bin to put it all in!\"" show larch idea at left narrator "This gave Larch an idea.\"" show moorhound front reverse at left narrator "The Spriggs watched anxiously.the woods and the open moors. the wind could still carry a bit of burning material over the road. We had a fence and rubbish bin that appeared in front of the characters.\"" scene bg winter hill aerials nvl clear window hide show fence at left show bin at center fsnarrator "The Moorhound walked over to a rubbish bin by the perimeter fence surrounding the masts. Primrose was a little sad to say farewell to the bottlecaps as they were rather nice to look at. However. But I think it'll get extinguished pretty quick." scene bg chorley with fade show moorhound thoughtful at center show primrose back turned at right show larch sitting at left narrator "It was uncanny that after so many weeks of dry weather. scene bg winter hill aerials show fence at left show bin at center show moorhound front at right show primrose smiling reverse at left show larch smiling at left m "\"Here's a bin! Put the litter you collected earlier in it!\"" show primrose back turned at center show larch handheldout at left narrator "The Spriggs obliged and the bottlecaps and wire were deposited safely in the bin. Once we defined the fence. Larch and Primrose were convinced that the mysterious masts on Winter Hill were there to control the weather." show primrose neutral at center show larch speaking reverse at left show moorhound staring short at right p "\"There's a lot of litter left in the Nab woods. # Again. with the bin in front of the fence and the characters in front of the bin and not behind it. then the characters then this ensured that the bin appeared in the background. " show primrose singing at right p "\"." show hawthorn afraid at truecenter k "\"Run for your lives! Moorhound approaching!\"" show hawthorn alarmed at right show moorhound returned at left narrator "Everyone turned to flee. but the sound of laughter and happy voices made them stop and turn round. when he was interrupted by the sound of barking." show moorhound tail at right show hawthorn thoughtful at right . Several of the older Spriggs fainted. seeing the sunset from the top of Winter Hill is a glorious sight.\"" show larch handheldout at left l "\"It looks tempting. There." show quercus smiling reverse at center show larch idea at center p "\"I told you grown-ups worry too much!\"" narrator "Then all eyes turned to the Moorhound.... ready to make an impromptu speech.narrator "The Moorhound smiled as the two Spriggs gazed out towards the distant town of Chorley. This has been a most gradely adventure!\"" show moorhound neutral at center show primrose smiling at right show larch happy at left m "\"Then I shall take you there. were Larch and Primrose!" narrator "A stunned silence descended over the Sprigg community as the Moorhound stopped just a few feet from them. riding on the back of the dog. but ." scene bg stone cairn show laurel happy at left show quercus waving at center narrator "Then the silence was broken as Primrose's parents came hurrying out of the crowd.." show moorhound smiling reverse at left show primrose neutral at right show larch speaking reverse at left m "\"You know. But we'd really like to go home.\"" narrator "Primrose finished his sentence.\"" scene bg stone cairn with fade nvl clear window hide show chapter 8 at truecenter with fade fsnarrator " " scene bg stone cairn with fade show hawthorn speaking at truecenter narrator "The sun was starting to set on the Nab as King Hawthorn took his position on top of the stone cairn. who wagged his tail in an attempt to look as nonthreatening as possible." hide moorhound returned show quercus worried at center show larch speaking at right show primrose back turned at left parents "\"You're both alive! We'd given you up for dead!\"" show larch happy reverse at center narrator "Primrose whispered to Larch. do feel free to explore the woods of Healey Nab. trusting that a friend of Larch and Primrose was a friend of the Spriggs." # The {i} and {/i} instructions. The difference was that this one was made entirely of litter.. young Larch. the Moorhound hadn't eaten them!" show moorhound staring short at right show hawthorn thoughtful at center show primrose smiling reverse at left k "\"Pleased to meet you. show that text in an italic style. Also. let us introduce you to the Pennine Moorhound.\"" show primrose back turned at center show moorhound neutral at center show hawthorn worried reverse at left show larch sitting at right narrator "Once the Spriggs were reassured that the hound really wasn't a danger to them.show primrose blank reverse at left show laurel smiling reverse at left show quercus smiling reverse 2 at center show larch smiling at center l "\"Everyone. certainly! We can't thank you enough for carrying Larch and Primrose to safety from the fire. and one that we shall set to work on first thing tomorrow morning! We'll get everyone to participate. Mr. next to the original one. they settled down in a semicircle to listen to his tales of human beings and the very real threat of litter. It was at that point that Larch remembered the idea he'd had earlier and decided to speak to King Hawthorn about it. a group of cyclists and walkers passing through the Nab woods were astounded to see that a second cairn had mysteriously appeared overnight." scene bg stone cairn with fade show hawthorn smile at center show larch smiling at left show moorhound smiling short at right k "\"A most splendid idea.. when placed either side of narrative text. but with much to tell you all. pinned to the litter pile. Besides.\"" show moorhound thoughtful at right show hawthorn alarmed at right show larch frowning reverse at center show primrose neutral at left narrator "King Hawthorn looked uncertain but extended his paw in greeting. It certainly seemed the case until a small boy noticed a note written on a piece of tree bark.\"" show moorhound staring short at right m "\"May I take part?\"" show hawthorn speaking at center show larch bottle at left k "\"Why. Moorhound.perhaps you might wish to sample some of our pine needle tea?\"" scene bg stone cairn 2 with fade narrator "The following day. a creature most misunderstood." narrator "The group wondered whether the pile of litter was some kind of modern art project at first. narrator "{i}Dear Outsiders{/i}" narrator "{i}We hope you will continue to visit{/i}" narrator "{i}But please try to keep the woods of Healey Nab tidy{/i}" narrator "{i}And not drop your litter here{/i}" narrator "{i}This will make us very happy{/i}" . Just make sure not to drop your litter as the Moorhound never forgets. But the adventures on Healey Nab continue and if you ever visit it.but it didn't hurt to scare the odd rambler by howling in the woods!" narrator "Here ends the story dear Reader.narrator "{i}Kind regards{/i}" narrator "{i}The Spriggs of Healey Nab{/i}" scene bg stone cairn 2 narrator "Nobody had any idea what the Spriggs were or who'd written the note. Seeing as nobody came forward despite repeated requests. and seeing the giant paw prints on the ground.unknown to everyone. return ." show moorhound howl at center with fade narrator "The Moorhound was far too good-natured to ever do such a thing of course ." scene bg brinscall with fade show primrose back turned at right show larch smiling at center narrator "A few weeks later Larch and Primrose made a journey to the pine woods of Brinscall and made a remarkable discovery . Larch and Primrose became the new leaders of Healey Nab." narrator "The message got across though and some weeks later. This tells the book to conclude and return to the main menu screen. New legends emerged of a giant black dog that was said to eat any naughty children who dropped litter or tried to harm wildlife. Besides which. his rheumatism was getting worse. close to the information sign and map in the middle of the woods. eventually it was assumed that local environmentalists or children must have done it.." scene bg nab woods with fade show moorhound growl ghost at center narrator "Children often spoke of seeing the little creatures whilst playing in the woods. King Hawthorn had decided that the time had come to let the younger generation take control.. a litter bin was installed in the Nab woods. a colony of Spriggs lived there too!" scene bg nab woods with fade show larch smiling at left show primrose singing at center show laurel smiling at right narrator "Shortly afterwards. you can begin an adventure of your very own." narrator "The Spriggs themselves began to venture outside their woodland home and see more of the world." scene bg end with fade nvl clear window hide fsnarrator " " # The final instruction of any Ren'Py script is 'return'.