###(align:"=><=")[''[Halloween murder]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/6s7v.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
On Halloween night, October 31, 2022, a 22 yeard old woman called Julia is found dead in Washington. Her bloodied body is recovered by police and detectives in the middle of a forest. A year later, on October 31, 2023, the investigation is at a standstill for lack of evidence.
Your are now called in by the police department to investigate the case. You play a brilliant detective, known for his efficiency. Before starting the investigation, please tell us your name.
''(align:"=><=")+(color:#9F0D7F)[[📇 • CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE YOUR NAME]<a1|
[[🏢 • START THE INVESTIGATION->01 - Homepage]]]''
[(click: ?a1)+(replace: ?a1)[(put: (prompt: "What is your name?", "") into $me)[THANK YOU!]]]###(align:"=><=")[''[Office]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/lrdp.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
Welcome, ''$me''.
You are here in your office. First, I would like to introduce you to all the tools at your disposal. At the bottom of each page, you'll find various links, which will allow you to navigate between the different areas of your investigation. Once you think you've found the murderer, you'll need to close the case and report the culprit in the last section of the investigation.
To obtain evidence, nothing could be easier than navigating between the various links at your disposal. You can visit the three suspects to read their statements and get their physical descriptions, just as you can access other locations to obtain evidence. You are free to do as you wish. Good luck and good courage ''$me''!
''(align:"=><=")[[[👁️ • SEE THE SUSPECTS->02 - Suspects]]
[[🌃 • GO DOWNTOWN->03 - Downtown]]
[[👮 • CHOOSE THE CULPRIT->04 - Culprit]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Suspects]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/jxy8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
You are currently in the suspect interview room. In this case, three people are still considered potential suspects. The first is Robert, aged 56. The second suspect is Donald, a 24-year-old young man, and the last is a 23-year-old woman called Jessica.
The atmosphere in the room is quite tense. Robert is the most stressed person, so much so that your colleagues offer him several glasses of water to calm him down. Donald and Jessica, the two youngsters, are quite anxious but serene on the whole.
You can consult the suspects one by one to get their own version of events.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🏢 • RETURN TO YOUR OFFICE->01 - Homepage]]
[[1️⃣ • SEE ROBERT->05 - Robert]]
[[2️⃣ • SEE DONALD->06 - Donald]]
[[3️⃣ • SEE JESSICA->07 - Jessica]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Downtown]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/m66y.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
Downtown stretches out before you, vibrating with the frenetic energy characteristic of any great metropolis. Majestic skyscrapers stand proudly, touching the sky with glass facades that reflect the city's effervescence. Streets teem with life. A mosaic of color and movement envelops you as soon as you enter. The air is charged with a mixture of tantalizing perfumes and exhaust fumes.
Vehicles of all kinds criss-cross the streets. Crowded buses stop regularly to pick up passengers in a hurry, while cyclists deftly weave in and out of cars, braving the dense traffic. The sidewalks are bustling with people. Businessmen in smart suits rub shoulders with students in casual jeans and backpacks laden with books. Mothers and fathers push strollers in lively conversation, while groups of tourists stroll by, cameras in hand, seeking to capture the very essence of the city.
In the midst of this hustle and bustle, newsstands attract attention with their gaudy headlines and eye-catching magazines. One year on, Julia's case remains unsolved. Brightly lit store signs flash everywhere, inviting you to enter and explore a myriad of products, from the latest technology to fashion trends.
From downtown, you can access the crime scene, Homer's bar, the local university where Julia was a student and, finally, the church. These locations can provide particularly important clues for your criminal investigation. As you pass the newsagents, many people are reading a newspaper about Julia's murder. Some passers-by are convinced of Donald's role in the case, while others put their faith in Robert.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🏢 • RETURN TO THE OFFICE->01 - Homepage]]
[[🍹 • GO TO HOMER'S BAR->10 - Homer's Bar]]
[[🎓 • GO TO THE UNIVERSITY->11 - University of the city]]
[[🏔️ • ANALYZE THE CRIME SCENE->12 - Crime scene]]
[[⛪ • GO TO CHURCH->13 - Church]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Culprit]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/f4jx.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
If you're here, it's because you think you've found the culprit in this case. Closing the case is easy. Just click on the link below and write down the name of the person you think is the culprit. Then confirm the operation.
Please note that if you make a mistake, there is no turning back. It will be considered a defeat and the case will be lost in court.
If you have not yet gathered all the evidence, please continue your investigation.
''(align:"=><=")+(color:#9F0D7F)[[🧑⚖️ • CHOOSE THE CULPRIT]<a1|]\
(align:"=><=")[[[🏢 • RETURN TO YOUR OFFICE->01 - Homepage]]
(click: ?a1)[(set: $code to it + 1)(replace: ?a1)[(set: $password to (prompt: "What is the name of the culprit?","") )(if: $password is "Jessica")[You have succeeded in finding the culprit!
[[END THE STORY->08 - The end, victory.]]](else:)[You did not succeed in finding the culprit!
[[END THE STORY->09 - The end, defeat.]]]]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Robert]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/h2yv.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[Robert is the first suspect in this investigation. He's Julia's neighbor. He's almost 6'3" tall, weighs 200 pounds, has blond hair and is a sportsman. He works as a marketing consultant in an agency that advises companies on how to better manage their social networks. He denies involvement in Julia's murder. Facing you, he's under a lot of stress.]
''$me'' - According to the doctors who analyzed Julia's body, she died two days after her disappearance. To refresh your memory, she disappeared a week before her body was found. Where were you all this time?
Robert - I was on vacation.
''$me'' - Where?
Robert - In New York.
''$me'' - What was your relationship with Julia?
Robert - None. She was my neighbor, but I never really spoke to her. In turn, she never spoke to me. All we ever said to each other was "hello" when we passed each other in the street.
''$me'' - Some witnesses claim to have seen you on the night of her disappearance, prowling around Julia's house. According to witnesses, you had left the house and were in your car with the headlights off. Your vehicle was also found several kilometers away.
Robert - I told you I was on vacation at the time. Someone must have tried to steal my car. I flew to New York and didn't take my car. For almost a week, my house was completely empty.
''$me'' - Well, thank you for all this information.
''(align:"=><=")[[[👁️ • RETURN TO THE AUDITION ROOM->02 - Suspects]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Donald]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/h2yv.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[Donald is the second suspect in this case. He's the boyfriend of Julia, the young woman who died. He's quite tall, a bit athletic and currently a student. He has brown hair. He's studying medicine to become a heart surgeon later on. Donald is particularly sad about losing his girlfriend. He hasn't been able to grieve for a year now.]
Donald - It must be almost ten times now that I've found myself sitting in a chair in a dimly lit room, answering the same questions. I'm fed up, I want to get out and leave you and your questions alone.
''$me'' - I know this is a particularly difficult situation for you. We need you to work with us to facilitate the investigation.
Donald - I'm listening...
''$me'' - Was Julia in tension or conflict with anyone else? For example, people at her university, or on social networks.
Donald - Mmmh, yes a little. I know Julia and Jessica were a bit upset with each other over money. Julia always used to pay Jessica for things, like food, when Jessica couldn't afford it. Gradually, however, Julia stopped paying Jessica for anything because she told me that Jessica was taking advantage of her, that she never wanted to pay her back. That's how tensions started.
''$me'' - That's very interesting what you're telling me there. Was there anything else going on between Julia and Jessica?
Donald - No, I don't think so. On social networks, Julia was quite discreet and had very few followers, so I have nothing to say on that score.
''$me'' - On the day she disappeared, where were you and what were you doing?
Donald - I was at my team's basketball game. I was injured at the time, so I couldn't play. However, all my friends, my coach and the medical staff can testify to my presence at the game, the very night Julia disappeared.
''$me'' - Okay, thanks. Last question, had Julia had any other relationships before you?
Donald - No, never. I'm her first boyfriend.
''$me'' - Thank you, Donald.
''(align:"=><=")[[[👁️ • RETURN TO THE AUDITION ROOM->02 - Suspects]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Jessica]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/h2yv.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[Jessica is the latest suspect in this case. 23 years old and blonde like Robert, she is Julia's best friend. She's always been particularly cooperative with the detectives and police, helping them with the investigation, gathering evidence and even providing crucial information.]
''$me'' - Could you remind me where you were the night Julia disappeared?
Jessica - Yes, of course. I was in a bar in town. It's called "//Homer's Bar//". It's quite an old bar, quite vintage. You can consult the owner or the bartenders.
''$me'' - Did you have any problems or conflicts with Julia?
Jessica - Yes. I had a few slight worries, but I think in hindsight they were mainly child issues, if I can call it that. I was having trouble making ends meet and Julia was paying me what I needed. However, I wasn't able to pay back what she was giving me, which pissed her off.
''$me'' - What can you tell me about the relationship between Donald and Julia?
Jessica - Donald was Julia's first boyfriend. He often came to her house. Although Julia never spoke to her neighbor Robert, Donald saw Robert regularly. The two got along well. Whenever Donald had free time, he'd come and cut the grass in Robert's garden for a bit of money, trim the bushes and clean his car.
About Julia, I know that the two lovers were in a bit of conflict following a potential deception. There was a college student who leaked photos of Donald kissing another college girl at a party, while he was in a relationship with Julia. The two had a violent falling out over the matter.
''$me'' - Okay, thank you for your answers Jessica.
''(align:"=><=")[[[👁️ • RETURN TO THE AUDITION ROOM->02 - Suspects]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Victory]'']\
\
---
\
Congratulations, ''$me''! You've managed to find the culprit. Jessica murdered her girlfriend Julia to avoid paying back all the money she owed her. Your honor and reputation once again benefit from your efficiency.###(align:"=><=")[''[Defeat]'']\
\
---
\
Unfortunately, ''$me'', you weren't able to find the culprit. Jessica is officially the person who killed Julia. She did it to avoid paying back all the money she owed her friend. Your honor and reputation are now in jeopardy following this heavy defeat.###(align:"=><=")[''[Homer's Bar]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/qvl0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
You walk through the door of Homer's bar, one of the city's landmarks. The atmosphere is warm, bathed in subdued light that creates a welcoming ambience. Laughter and chatter enliven the place, and the gentle murmur of the clientele greets you. Dark wooden tables and chairs are strewn about, and along the counter, several people sip drinks and chat.
The bartender, a sturdy man with a friendly face, flashes you a smile.
Bartender - Welcome to Homer's bar. What can I get you today?
''$me'' - Black coffee, please. I'll take a seat at the counter.
You take a seat at the counter, sipping your coffee while examining the place. The decor is classic, with framed photos of rock and blues legends and signs for local beers. The place is lively, and a positive energy emanates from the varied clientele who frequent the bar.
Barman - There you are, my friend. Tell me, what brings you here?
''$me'' - I'm investigating a murder that took place a short while ago. I'm looking for information about a certain Jessica who claims to have been here on the night of the crime. Do you think it's possible?
Bartender - Jessica? Ah, I remember her. She was here the night of the crime, but personally I can't really confirm her presence, I wasn't working that night. In fact, she came here a few weeks ago. She was alone, as I recall. Just another customer.
You take note of the information as you continue to scan the bar. Just then, a bar employee approaches you with a mysterious air. He begins to whisper.
Employee - Sir, follow me discreetly to the back. There's something you need to know.
Intrigued, you decide to follow the employee. Once at the back of the bar, he looks around to make sure no one is watching. Then he starts talking.
Employee - Jessica wasn't really here that night. It was a lie we were perpetuating for her. I'm one of the bar's employees, and I was approached by Jessica with a large sum of money. She wanted us to cover her alibi and protect her by saying she was at Homer's bar the night Julia was murdered. I don't know where she got the money, but she seemed desperate.
''$me'' - Why did you agree to do this? Are you aware that this could seriously compromise our investigation?
Employee - I know, but I wasn't thinking at the time. She offered me a sum of money I couldn't refuse, and I didn't know why she needed it. I thought it was for a good reason, but now I understand that it wasn't for the best.
The employee expresses his remorse. You leave the back of the bar feeling closer to the truth, but wondering what could have possessed Jessica to lie like that. As your investigation progresses, all you have to do is connect all the clues to uncover the truth behind Julia's death.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🌃 • GO DOWNTOWN->03 - Downtown]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[University]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/qfny.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
You're on your way to the university, a huge campus with a multitude of buildings, classes and hurried students. The situation at the university has been tense lately. You see it for yourself as soon as you arrive on campus. The campus itself is a lively and varied sight. Class bells ring regularly, signaling the start or end of classes. Students crowd around, some smiling, others serious, absorbed in their own thoughts.
Groups of students have gathered in front of the main university buildings, brandishing placards and chanting slogans. The tension is palpable, and it's hard not to notice the anger in the air. These students are demanding justice for Julia and accusing Donald, Julia's former boyfriend, of being the murderer. Posters incriminating Donald are plastered on the walls, showing a photo of him with an accusing look. One year after Julia's murder, these students are demanding justice and the case remains unsolved.
At the entrance to the university, you'll see professors smoking cigarettes, discussing their courses or the tense situation on campus. Athletes, meanwhile, are training on a nearby field, giving their all to excel in their respective disciplines. The sound of bouncing balls and the shouts of coaches add to the lively atmosphere of the university. The university is a bustling world, a mix of academic seriousness and hectic student life. You take into account the emotionally-charged and tense atmosphere here, and you know you'll have to be careful in your university investigations. It's a place where passions run high, and the search for truth is more crucial than ever.
You decide to enter the university to continue your investigation. Your goal is to meet the psychology professor who taught Julia during her university years. You hope to gain valuable information that could help you solve the mystery of her death. After a few inquiries, you finally locate the professor's office.
The professor, a middle-aged man, greets you warmly in his tidy office. Julia was a bright and motivated student, and you're hopeful that the professor can provide you with crucial clues for your investigation.
Professor - Hello, I remember Julia well. She was an exceptional student, brilliant, with great potential. It's tragic what happened to her. How can I help you?
''$me'' - Hello, Professor. I'm investigating Julia's death. I'm looking for information that might help us understand what happened. Did you notice anything unusual about her behavior or her relationships with her classmates at the time?
Professor - Julia was a fairly quiet student, but she got on well with her classmates. However, there was one period when she seemed preoccupied. It was during her relationship with Donald. They had been together for some time, but there were rumors of problems in their relationship. Julia seemed sad at the time. I don't know if that has anything to do with what happened.
''$me'' - Thank you for this information. Did you also know Jessica, another of her classmates? Do you know if she had a strained relationship with Julia or Donald?
Professor - Yes, Jessica was in my class too. She and Julia seemed to get on well at first, they were always very close in my classes. But over time, they grew apart. There were little arguments between them, and I had to separate them once, but nothing too serious. Donald, on the other hand, had more serious differences with Jessica, particularly at a party at university. This created some conflict, but I don't think it had a major impact on Julia.
''$me'' - Thank you for this information, Professor. It could be very useful to us in our investigation. If you can think of any other details or memories related to Julia, please don't hesitate to contact us. We want to get to the bottom of this.
You leave the professor's office with valuable information about Julia's past relationships, hoping that this will bring you one step closer to solving the mystery surrounding her death.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🌃 • GO DOWNTOWN->03 - Downtown]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Crime scene]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/h0yc.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
You arrive at the edge of the forest, having left the town behind you. The air is filled with the fresh, woodsy scent typical of nature. Around you, the trees rise majestically, their leaves gleaming softly in the wind. Before you looms a majestic mountain, its summit covered in snow, a striking contrast to the ambient heat.
The trees form a kind of protection above your head, creating shadows on the ground. The sun's rays break through this protection, creating patches of golden light that dance across the green leaves. Birdsong adds a natural symphony to the whole. Venturing deeper into the forest, you follow a steep path winding through the trees. You know you're on the right track thanks to the map on your phone, which indicates your progress towards the crime scene.
When you arrive at your destination, you'll find a small clearing where the investigators have reconstructed the murder. Julia's body has been found hidden behind a pile of bushes. You can see how the presence of her inert body contrasts with the natural beauty of the area. The victim's clothes were torn, but curiously, there were no traces of physical violence. The only thing of note was the fact that Julia had been killed by strangulation. Furthermore, her wallet, containing her money, identity card and student ID, were the only items not found on Julia's body or around the crime scene. Finally, blond hair was found on Julia's clothes. The apparent calm of the forest contrasts sharply with the tragic crime that took place here.
The silence is heavy, broken only by birdsong, creating a very special atmosphere. All seems peaceful, but finding Julia's body here reminds you of the cruel truth of the investigation. Nearby, the snow-capped mountain rises majestically, offering a contrast between natural beauty and the horror of the crime. The forest envelops you in its mysterious beauty and eerie silence. You know that solving this murder will be no easy task, but you're determined to get to the bottom of this dark affair. You take notes and begin examining the crime scene, ready to unravel the mystery surrounding Julia's death.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🌃 • GO DOWNTOWN->03 - Downtown]]]''###(align:"=><=")[''[Church]'']\
\
---
\
<img src="https://zupimages.net/up/23/41/74jg.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
You enter the church, a majestic building whose Gothic architecture rises up before you. Colored stained glass windows gently filter the sunlight, creating a soothing ambience inside. The main altar, adorned with lit candles and holy statues, occupies a central place beneath the large cross. At this time of day, a few worshippers are meditating in the silence of the church.
You make your way to the altar, where a priest dressed in religious vestments is making preparations. You wait patiently for him to finish, and when he turns to you, he flashes a warm smile.
Priest - Good morning, my son. How can I help you today?
''$me'' - Good morning, Father. My name is ''$me'', and I'm investigating a recent case. Specifically, I'm looking for information about Julia's murder. I'm sure you've heard about it in the news. I'd like to ask you a few questions. Have you heard any recent confessions of grave sins?
Priest - Yes, indeed, several parishioners have come to confession recently. Many are seeking redemption and inner peace. However, you know better than I do that many people come here every day. I can't remember everyone's face.
From your pocket, you slowly begin to pull out a photo of Jessica.
''$me'' - I'd like you to look at this photo, Father. Have you seen this young woman in your church recently?
The priest observes Jessica's photo attentively for a few moments.
Priest - Yes, I recognize her. She came here for confession a few weeks ago. She seemed tormented and needed to find inner peace.
''$me'' - Was there anyone else with her, Father? Any names that could be linked to her confession?
Priest - Unfortunately, there have been many confessions in recent days, and it's difficult to remember all the details. I vaguely remember seeing her alone, but there were so many parishioners. It was a moment of intimacy between her and the Lord.
Then you pull out the photos of Donald and Robert.
''$me'' - And these two individuals, do you recognize them?
The priest starts grabbing Robert's photo.
Priest - I only recognize this man out of the two. I know his name's Robert, he's a faithful member of the family, he often comes here and confesses with me. I've known him for many years. His life has been as terrible as it has been harmonious. I wish him inner peace and forgiveness for his sins. Besides this person, I don't recognize the second man, sorry.
''$me'' - I understand, Father. That helps a lot already. Thank you for your cooperation. If you remember anything important, please don't hesitate to contact me.
You leave the church, knowing that your investigation is progressing slowly but surely. The clues are piling up, and it's now up to you to link them together to uncover the truth behind Julia's death.
''(align:"=><=")[[[🌃 • GO DOWNTOWN->03 - Downtown]]]''