www.sites.google.com/fort-outpost
advisor.
Jennifer Fay
“Well behaved women seldom make history.”
~Thatcher Ulrich
It’s Spring, a wonderful time of rebirth when nature gives us images of beauty and strength to renew our energies for the longer days to come. As things are growing and blooming it makes me think of all the strong women in my life who have nurtured and encouraged me to where I am today.
I am blessed to be surrounded by strong female athletes, coworkers, sisters and elders who stand with and support all the women in their lives.
Women’s History month is during the month of March and I was fortunate enough to attend the assembly and hear our fantastic keynote speaker. As I watched our Ballet Folklorico perform a beautiful cultural dance with pineapples, I was overwhelmed with pride at the strong young women I encounter every day. I was honored to receive
a pineapple after the performance for being a strong female presence in the lives of young women.
I have often heard the phrase “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” I ponder this and think about what it means. My mother and sisters stand up for what they believe in. They advocate for those who have no voice and ensure well being for all marginalized humans, not just women. Through and with them, I have learned to do the same. I may not be as vocal, however I hope to encourage strong opinions, questioning and leadership in our youth.
Speak up for what you believe in and support others as they do the same.
contributors.
Isaac Dennett - Editor in Chief
I’ve been writing with this newspaper for all 4 years now, and I love it. I love to write about problems in the community and the solutions to them.
Christian Golden - Associate Editor
I’m half black and half Japanese. I enjoy doing sports, especially track and I like being able to do new things.
Amy Nguyen - Assignment Editor
Hi! I’m Amy. My favorite color is purple and my favorite artist is Beabadobee.
Leila Folsom - Writer
Having been in the Medical Magnet program all four years and AVID for three, I’d also consider myself a long-term resident of the science wing.
Isabel Laib - Writer
My favorite class is pottery and I’ve made several tv show themed pieces. My personal hobbies consist of building lego sets and writing.
Cristina Martin - Writer
I’m a current senior at fort and a medical magnet student with much love for the science wing. I also participate in the upcoming Writer’s Club.
Jacob Owen - Writer
I am passionate about chemistry and plan to major in chemical engineering and have a career in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Sariah Dennett - Writer
This is my first year writing for the newspaper (obviously) and I’m excited to do it this year.
Alexis Johnson - Writer
I am new to the journalism club here. I am super into psychology and my goal is to become a mental health therapist.
Natalie Martin - Writer
JenniferFay Advisor - Journalism Club
I am a Freshman here at FVHS and I am new to the Journalism club. In my free time I like to make paper crafts.
Winter Sports Recap
By Christian Golden
This winter term was a great season for the Trappers. We had many athletes reach state competition and found huge success in some of our sports that we haven’t seen in awhile. So, here are the season scores for our great teams. Although some teams scores are unavailable due to the league change from 2A to 1A or some other things like not having all the scores from matches available on the high school sports score website. .
Basketball
Girls Varsity 1-19
They had a tough season but even through the tough matches they were able to show great spirit. Like our basketball team in previous years, the score doesn’t tell the whole story and the efforts of each of the athletes shouldn’t be undermined.
Boys Varsity 15-5
This season our boys basketball team found great success and
managed to win most of their matches and get to state. Although they weren’t able to reach the second stage of state it is still a great accomplishment and made through the hard work of the athletes and coaches.
Swimming
They chose to face the 2A and other school competition because many 1A schools lack a swimming team. This means there aren’t much league scores for our swimming teams. They did however send 5 boys to state this year to compete. Both the boys and girls worked really hard and should be commended for their effort.
Bowling Girls Varsity 6-8
They, similarly to swimming, still face more 2A schools due to 1A schools not having many if any bowling teams. Their league is still 2A but performed well against the competition, having many great wins and going very close against schools
Fort Boys Qualified for State
like Columbia River. In the end they managed to send 2 girls to state. If you saw their matches you would’ve seen their great improvement and you could see that in their scores as well.
Wrestling
Their scores are missing for many of their matches so unfortunately I am unsure
about their seasonal results. They were however able to send 7 athletes to state: 3 girls and 4 boys. What I can say is that like many of our other sports they worked hard and you can see that with how many athletes went to state this year from wrestling.
Executive Orders, Student Rights and Policy 4300
By Isaac dennett
In this new administration, many of our students may be at risk. There are fears of immigration enforcement, and whether our students are safe to go to school and are being guaranteed an education. Fortunately, our state, city, and school districts are making big strides in protecting students from these changes, and I wanted to share some new developments, rights, and what the future looks like.
First, there are two video messages from our state’s superintendent, Chris Reykdal. He is the ‘CEO’ of the operation, for lack of a better word. He leads a lot of the statewide actions and the districts all take orders from Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The recently released videos explain what rights the federal government has, and what rights you have concerning your education. He also talks about the individual school districts that make up Washington and what they are going to do concerning the administration’s executive orders.
https://youtu.be/ ouTkWtTTMxg?si=c8S88Mbbv142fH41
https://youtu.be/6IrJK1RpawU?si=16ya 2Tgd8tpIjaiJ
Those videos summarize that the state and its respective district
are doing everything they can to keep students safe on campus. The state is getting legal counsel and may sue if the rights of its citizens are violated. The federal government does not have as much influence on our school districts as they would like to say, and these upcoming policies that our district has released show that.
Next, our district has revised policy 4300, which is the policy related to keeping immigration enforcement off of school grounds. If you want to read the policy for yourself, the URL is below:
https://go.boarddocs.com/ wa/vpswa/Board.nsf/files/ DDNGUX45900B/$file/4300Immigration%20and%20Refugee%20 Students%2C%20Families%2C%20 and%20Staff-NEW-02-06-25.pdf
The district has made some clarifications. Immigration
enforcement does not have the right to conduct any investigations related to immigration enforcement on school grounds unless they have a signed warrant from a judge. Enforcement has to meet with our school principal before they are let on the grounds, and our principal requests counsel from our school district’s lawyer as well. All names, badge numbers, information, etc. will be saved by the school district for your protection. As stated by policy 4300; “The district does not grant permission for any person engaging in, or intending to engage in, immigration enforcement, including surveillance, to access the nonpublic areas of district facilities, property, equipment, databases, or otherwise on school grounds or their immediate vicinity.” The only way they can go about this in a legal manner is if there is a signed court order by a judge.
SCHOOL BOARD EVENTS
They’ve also committed themselves to giving an education to every student, regardless of citizenship status. Every student in the area gets the same rights. “The district does not exclude students from receiving an education or unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of their race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, immigration or citizenship status, sex, creed, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, sexual orientation, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.”
The City of Vancouver was also at the February school board meeting, speaking on how the city is going to do everything it can to protect students, and that it will be undergoing policy revisions and seeking legal
counsel to see where it has power.
More than ever, I cannot stress enough that all students need to stay informed. Please watch the videos from our superintendent Chris Reykdal, and it is critical you read any policy changes coming from the school district. It is important to know your rights, and you have a right to an education.
Next school year, we’re going to get a new cellphone policy. It seems to be pointing to a near total ban. No matter what, students will no longer be allowed to use any phones at all during class. What is on the table right now though is whether or not students are going to be able to use phones during passing periods and breaks. But, as always, everything is subject to change. Do you have any concerns about this policy? Feel free to show up to a school board meeting about the policy, or email our superintendent Jeff Snell.
Here is where I’m going to give a small update on cellphone policies, as there is not a school board article this edition.
Cell Phone Policies
CLASSROOM PETS
DID YOU KNOW THAT FORT VANCOUVER HS HAS ITS OWN FLOCK OF CHICKENS?
WRITTEN BY CRISTINA MARTIN
Here at Fort Vancouver High School, the horticulture program is more than just planting seeds and tending to gardens; it’s a vibrant ecosystem that includes a diverse array of chickens. This unique aspect of our program not only enriches the learning experience but also teaches students about sustainable farming and animal care.
Our school proudly houses nine different types of chickens, 15 total contributing to the diversity and functionality of our horticulture environment. These breeds range from the crested Polish chicken, known for their large headgear, to the elegant Silkies, which are adored for their fluffy plumage and gentle nature. Each type of chicken brings its own set of characteristics and benefits, making our program a dynamic and educational experience for all involved.
Students in the horticulture program gain hands-on experience in managing these chickens. From learning about their care and feeding, to understanding the role they play in a sustainable garden ecosystem. The chickens not only provide educational and social emotional benefits, fresh eggs, as well helping with pest control and fertilization, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances the overall health of our gardens.
The presence of chickens at our school has not only enriched our educational environment but has also fostered a sense of responsibility and community among students. As these birds are raised, we not only learn about agriculture and biology, but compassion and teamwork. The chickens have become a beloved part of the school for some students, reminding us of the importance of nurturing all living things and the joy they bring to our school community.
SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHICKENS
Unified Valentine’s Event
Cristina Martin & Leila Folsom
On February 21st our Unified club representative, Jennifer Delgadillo, organized a heartwarming event that brought together students from the Unified club for a day filled with fun, games, and socializing. The atmosphere was erupting with excitement as everyone gathered in the library.
The event kicked off with a variety of inclusive games designed to encourage teamwork and interaction. From Connect 4 to cornhole, we all cheered each other on and formed new friendships. Creating an environment where everyone felt valued and included.
Passing out previously made valentines bags, with candy and valentines cards from students. This exchange not only added to the festive atmosphere, it also reinforced the bonds between students in this moment of sharing kindness and appreciation. This event captured the essence of Valentine’s Day, celebrating love, friendship, and inclusivity, making it a memorable event for all.
Girls Golf Returns to FVHS
Sariah Dennett
Girls golf started March 3rd! If you want to play but haven’t signed up, you can still sign up now through FinalForms. The coach is Ms. Fay! The practices will be held at various golf courses near us, like Club Green Meadows and Royal Oaks., Practices will also be held right here at Fort. You don’t need any experience to play!
The practices will be different every week but a calendar will be provided for athletes and their families.
If you don’t own a set of golf clubs the coach will have a set of golf clubs you can borrow. Clubs owned by students can be stored in the aerobics room office. If you can’t drive to the practices or the games, we will be driven by our coach.
To join late you will have to sign final forms and have a valid physical. You can talk to Ms. Fay to learn more about where you go and if you can join late.
Pop Tarts
by Sariah Dennett
Who doesn’t love a warm, delicious Pop Tart? They’re expensive, but there’s no reason you can’t make your own pop tarts at home in any flavor you like!
Ingredients for Pop Tart Dough
• 1 and 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbs. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose shortening, cold, or (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 4 Tbsp. very cold water
Ingredients for Cheesecake Filling
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Tablespoon milk, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for dough
1. To make the dough by hand, in a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar and salt.
2. Using a pastry cutter or rubbed method, cut in the cold shortening or butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal, or about the size of a pea or bean.
3. Add the vinegar and water and mix with a fork or bowl scraper just until the dough pulls together.
4. Bring the dough together with your hand and shape it into a flattened disc and wrap in plastic wrap or a small bag. Label and chill for 30 minutes or overnight.
Instructions for assembly
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of the chilled pastry until it is very thin, and cut out nine 3×5 inch rectangles (there will be just enough pastry for 9 pieces, you will have to re-roll the scraps once or twice to get them all).
6. Lay the rectangles on a parchment lined baking sheet. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of the fruit filling onto each rectangle, leaving the edges bare. Roll out the other half of the pastry and cut out the top rectangles, laying them over top of the filling.
7. Seal the edges of the pop-tarts with a fork, and poke several holes in the tops with a toothpick to vent. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours to chill.
Instructions for glaze
8. Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined. (You may need to add more milk by the 1/2 teaspoon if the glaze is too thick.)
9. Using a spoon, drizzle about 1 Tablespoon of the glaze over each tart.
Fort Vancouver Students
GIVE BLOOD
TBY NATALIE MARTIN
his year’s Fort Vancouver High School blood drive that was host ed on February 12th had a great turn out with collecting 31 units of blood from the students of FVHS, one away from the goal amount!
The blood drive event had 50 potential donors check in and get screened at the blood drive. From all of the students who had donated blood thi s year, 60% of them were first time donors.
Over the last 10+ years FVHS has hosted over 38 blood drives op en for students to donate blood. We have collected 1444 units of blood with a tota l of 1741 donors from the students that had participated in the event over the y ears. Every time FVHS hosts a Blood Drive, the amount of blood that we contribut e averages 38 units of blood per drive.
Young Women of Purpose Leila Folsom
The annual Young Women of Purpose event was on March 7th, a formal luncheon that empowers and inspires young female students, connecting them with powerful women and influential female role models. This event was filled with a day of keynote speeches, student writing/ poems, games, and Q&A sessions with professionals from all across the pacific northwest.
The main goal of the Young Women of Purpose event is to cultivate personal growth, empower women, and help envision possibilities and opportunities, as well as inspire and equip young women with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact
in their communities. Each year, the event has aimed to expand its reach, attracting more participants and a diverse range of speakers who can share their experiences and advice.
It is a celebration of recognizing diversity, and the countless opportunities and identities we all have. This event was created to address the challenges and barriers that young women often face in achieving their goals. By providing a supportive environment where they can participate in workshops, and engage in discussions about leadership, career development, and personal growth, the event aims to foster a sense of purpose and determination among participants.
YWOP has also incorporated feedback from participants to improve the program. This has led to the introduction of mentorship programs and networking opportunities that continue beyond the event itself, fostering ongoing relationships and support among attendees.
The Young Women of Purpose Event has evolved into an inclusive, cultivating annual occasion that celebrates the achievement of young women, and the achievements to come. Through equipping these young women with mentors, tools, and connections, YWOP has given them the foundation needed to thrive throughout their personal and professional lives.
MINE CRAFT STORYMODE THE (SUBJECTIVELY) RIGHT WAY TO PLAY
In the first part of this article, I led you through the game’s best possible choices to keep everyone happy and alive, along with talking to them as much as possible to unlock the lore of the world you’re playing in, along with maybe getting a secret achievement or two. Jesse had only just begun their journey into being the next great hero with all their friends, and now it’s time for the next chapter of their tale. And I’m here to guide you through it. So let’s hop right to it. portal back into the hall.
Episode 5: Order Up!
STORY BY ISABEL LAIB
Jesse and their friends are racing through the jungle, tearing through mob after mob as they run towards a supposed lead Ivor gave them. This is a great way to reintroduce the player to the characters and their skills in case you took a break between storylines. Right now Jesse’s with Olivia, a redstone genius; Axel, another of their close friends who specializes in explosions; and Petra, a skilled warrior. After killing the mobs the group finds a jungle temple and together they rush inside. After the player solves a lava puzzle, a staircase will appear, leading down to a treasure room. Each person opens a chest and you find a cake –which should be given to Axel as it’ll make him happy and there are no consequences for doing so– a pumpkin and an odd, glowing flint and steel. They strike it and it brings a flash of light to the area. The light reveals dozens of monsters and the group has to escape via the rapidly crumbling staircase.
Once outside, Jesse relights the flint and steel, creating a blue flame. This shouldn’t be possible. The Aiden from the last game and his friends show up, now called The Blaze Rods instead of The Ocelots. Aiden tries to take the flint and steel from you but Jesse and their friends manage to scare them. The group leaves the jungle and returns home to Beacontown, much to the joy of Jesse’s fans. A much less happy scream is heard and they run to find what caused it. They find lava dripping down from a building, which you find out is Ivor’s new house. People are demanding it be torn down, however you should let it stand. Everyone is allowed to freebuild, it keeps Ivor happy, and the lava problems can be easily solved by covering the flow with some glass. Petra tells Ivor about the treasure they found and he says to meet him inside the treasure room in the new Order of the Stone’s new base. Olivia and Axel decide to clean up the lava while Jesse and Petra head inside to wait.
In the treasure room Jesse and Petra run into Lukas, once part of Aiden’s team but now one of their closest friends. You all happily greet each other before Jesse laments about how much they miss Rueban. Then, you and Lukas discuss the Blaze Rods and how odd Aiden is acting. You then show the flint and steel to Lukas, and that’s when Ivor walks in and explains the treasure. It glows with an enchantment from a very old group of builders. Ivor wants to find a treasure called the Eversource, something that can create infinite resources, and you, Lukas, and Petra all team up to head back to the
temple to attempt to find a use for the flint and steel. After a bit of investigating, the group finds an odd, unlit portal and uses the flint and steel on it. Just then, Aiden and his friends show up, steal the flint and steel and run through, leaving you to chase after them.
You and your friends fall onto a small floating island and must strip it of all resources to build a bridge to a magnificent, floating city you see in the distance. As you go Ivor breaks off and uses lava for fun. Remember this fact. Once at the city a civilian seems afraid of you and explains building is illegal. You are told Aiden and his friends went to the inn and you try to catch up. The innkeeper, Milo, says he sent them to the Founder’s palace and everyone is called over for a meeting there. Aiden is with the Founder, and she threatens to find you and your friends. Ivor begins to cause a scene so he will be arrested and taken closer to the Eversource, which he believes is inside. You can either help Ivor, or go with Petra after Milo. Go with Petra, as you can only do so much from inside a cell, and he’ll have Lukas anyway. You discover there is a secret group of rebels led by Milo, who all want to build. You need to demonstrate your crafting abilities, so make an iron golem with the iron given to you by Milo, and the pumpkin from the temple. The rebels are amazed and Milo agrees to help because he wants to steal the Eversource and give it to the people. He knows of an open window and through the use of ladders, you, Milo, and Petra manage to sneak inside.
You meet up with Ivor and Lukas again in the throne room and all begin looking for the entrance to where the Eversource is held. After crafting a lever they find a secret minecart and ride it to a room full of chests. And a singular chicken with a crown; the Eversource. This chicken lays spawn eggs, which summon monsters, which are then killed for their resources which built the very ground your and your friends are standing on. Just then the Founder and the Blaze Rods arrive. The Founder accuses you of stealing but Aiden instead grabs a creeper spawn egg and starts summoning monsters. Lukas begins to fight him while the Founder is sent dangling off the edge. You can either help her or help Lukas. Save the Founder, as we need to prove we are trustworthy and Lukas can hold his own. Sadly, you and the Founder fall off, most likely to your death.
Except there’s water. There isn’t the void under the city as the Founder thought. There’s ground. And a stream of lava flowing into the water. Monsters begin raining from the sky, showing Aiden has been going mad with power in your falling time. You and
the Founder decide to work together and build back up using dirt, finding the city in ruins with hundreds of monsters attacking everyone. The Founder starts to defend her citizens while you track down your friends. Ivor gives you a potion to sneak past the palace defending Blaze Rods. Choose invisibility, as it is the simplest and most specific use, and is the least likely to be used compared to speed and leaping. Once inside the palace, you confront Aiden. He summons monsters which you kill, and after a one sided duel, surrenders, tossing you back your flint and steel. As much as you may want to, walk away. Don’t push him over the edge. He surrendered after all. You go back outside and use a creeper to blow up a fountain so the citizens can ride down to safety.
Once on the ground, people start bickering. The Founder wants to organize, prepare, place rules, while Milo wants people to be free. While you can side with either, you should side with both, since Milo and the citizens don’t know how to survive, but the way the Founder had them live was wrong. The Founder vows to live peacefully as simply “Isa, and her best friend, Benedict.” Benedict the chicken no longer has to be the Eversource, and she can simply be a chicken. Ivor laments about the Eversource being condemned to pecking seeds for a living. Aiden and the Blaze Rods apologize and stay to help with the new town. You then lead your friends to another portal you found with Isa and light it, stepping through. However, instead of home, you find an entire hall filled with portals.
Episode 6: A Portal to Mystery
After stepping through a portal you may have found your home. Aside from the two moons Ivor points out.Your group finds a nearby graveyard with an invitation to a mansion. You are all attacked by a group of zombies and run to the manor for safety, breaking in through the second floor window and into a kitchen. You and your friends attempt to understand where they are when two people walk in. These people are Torquedawg and the famous youtuber, Captain Sparklez. They were also invited to the manor and tells you and your friends that the zombie hoards are unusual. The lights go out and an arrow kills Torquedawg. His inventory is quickly collected by a funnel while everyone is still shocked and scared. Yup, this is a murder mystery.
Another youtuber, LDShadowLady enters the kitchen and recognizes us. She leads us out to the main area where we find portraits of us and the other guests, which consists of youtubers DanTDM, Stampy
Cat, Stacyplays and original character Cassie Rose. Torquedawg’s portrait is crossed out with a big red X. When people learn of the murder they all begin to panic. You take charge and discover Torquedawg was a griefer and a thief, so it’s not unlikely someone wanted him gone. Captain Sparklez mentions they could be after an enchanted flint and steel. This guy seems trustworthy, so you should show him your flint and steel. He attempts to tell the group his theory, but a piston pushes him into a newly opened hole and fills it with sand, suffocating him. The lights go out again and a voice introduces himself as the White Pumpkin. He is after a treasure, and will murder anyone to get it. Captain Sparklez’s inventory is taken by a hidden funnel and everyone begins to panic once again. Cassie and her cat, Winslow, make a break for the front door, only to see the horde of zombies outside, sealing everyone in.
Back in the main room, Captain Sparklez’s portrait is now crossed off as well. The person up next for an attack seems to be Ivor. Upon further investigation, it’s discovered that the arrows Torquedawg was killed by were poison tipped, and that the White Pumpkin’s first appearance was a set up. Someone at the dining table had pressed a button to activate the trap that killed Sparklez and the prerecorded message by the White Pumpkin. The only people close to buttons were Stampy Cat, DanTDM, LDShadowLady, and Lukas. It obviously can’t be Lukas, since he was with you when Torquedawg died, however the people outside of your friend group don’t trust him.
Through interrogations, you learn several facts about your new friends. Dan had an enchanted flint and steel but it was stolen. LDShadowLady knows a lot about potions, so she could’ve made the tipped arrow. DanTDM says that Stampy Cat is a master of redstone mechanics and won an award for it, so he could’ve made the traps in the manor, however he refuses to admit he won the award. LDShadowLady taught several people how to make tipped arrows, but the arrow used to murder Torquedawg is too shoddy to be her’s. Stampy Cat also reveals DanTDM and LDShadowLady were both after the enchanted flint and steel, however DanTDM found it first, although now he claims it was stolen. Cassie then demands Lukas be interrogated, however it is obvious to us that it couldn’t be him. Then you are given the chance to accuse someone, however you shouldn’t. Everyone is suspicious, but with the swarms of zombies and a killer on the loose there’s power in numbers
DanTDM runs off to the library and locks himself inside while you and your friends investigate the kitchen once again. One of the many portraits of the White Pumpkin seems to have eye holes cut into it and you find a secret passage behind it. While walking through it you find your way to another spy hole that looks into the library. LDShadowLady visits DanTDM who admits he accidentally pressed the button that killed Sparklez. You see eyes in a portrait and the White Pumpkin releases spiders on the guests. You can either chase after the Pumpkin or save the guests, and you should save the guests. People matter more right now, however the lights still go out and LDShadowLady is killed, the White Pumpkin snatching up her inventory and running, you chasing after. Petra follows. You discover mob spawners, which are creating the zombie hordes outside. You also find a white pumpkin farm and several cats. You also find extra portraits with Xs on them, aside from Cassie Rose, which has no portrait. All the cats also look like her cat, Winslow. Stampy Cat appears and admits he stole DanTDM’s flint and steel and wants to surrender it to save more lives.
Everyone meets up in the main hall again and you reveal your evidence to show that Cassie is the killer. She admits the same fact. She explains she’s been stuck in this world and couldn’t light the portal to go home. She plans to kill everyone before triggering her own trap and being smothered by sand. The sun rises and the zombies burn and you wave goodbye to the youtubers. As you’re about to light the portal the ground collapses and you fall into a chamber. Cassie reveals she is alive and will steal their flint and steel. With quick thinking, you are able to attack Cassie, shove her down in the pit she dropped you and your friends into, and rescue your friends. Cassie begs for you to throw her cat to her, and you should. They’ll both be alone otherwise, and the cat doesn’t deserve to suffer. You all go
through the next portal back into the hall.
Episode 7: Access Denied
After traveling through many portals, the group returns to the portal hall. Lukas documents the fire world you escaped from as Petra deals with her anger. She runs through a portal made of redstone and everyone follows. It’s not their home, as it’s a mesa biome, however there are several odd things in the area. No signs of life, but then you see a zombie which doesn’t burn in the sun like the others and see red eyes. The group sees an odd red device on the back of the zombie’s head, and it is very hard to defeat. The group sees more red eyed zombies and prepare for battle, but the monsters shuffle past. You follow the zombies to a seemingly abandoned town and the zombies walk into a corral and seem to go to sleep, leaving Ivor time to try and take a device off their head but fails. Upon more investigation, the chickens in the area also have those weird devices on their heads and are moving perfectly in sync.
You see a person, however they have red eyes and don’t respond. Then you see someone run into a building. This is Harper, who asks if we are someone called PAMA. She seems relieved that you and your friends don’t have machines on your heads and begs you not to attack anyone in town since they’re her friends. A group of townspeople show up and Harper runs while your group is captured. The people lead you up to a giant screen with a face. This is PAMA, a giant computer which has taken over the world using the odd devices on everything’s heads. PAMA can recognize that you and your friends are not from this world and demands information on the portal network so that it can infiltrate other worlds and take them over. PAMA threatens to attach the chips to Petra and Lukas, but no matter what you pick they’re taken over by PAMA. PAMA then tries to chip you and Ivor, however you are saved by Harper, who after revealing she created PAMA, sends you to her secret base while she distracts the monsters PAMA sends after you. After getting to the lab’s entrance, you discover water removes the chips from creatures when a spider falls into a fountain used to enter the pit to the lab.
Harper meets up with you and Ivor and explains that originally PAMA was a farming system that used chipped monsters, but then it started seeing all the little issues in people and wanted to make them “useful.” Harper also reveals she was an Old Builder and helped make the portal network. She destroyed the portal out of this world for safety and has been hunted by PAMA since. This is also why PAMA has destroyed most of the water in the world so nobody can escape its control. Before you can fully enter the lab you are all attacked by more of PAMA’s forces, including Petra and Lukas. When presented with the option, save Petra, as she is a fighter and can help fight back the forces. You shove her through a waterfall Harper created to open up her lab. Harper is kidnapped and begs you to use the headset to save everyone. You, Ivor, Petra escape into the actual lab.
While looking around you find a bunch of TNT and the headset Harper mentioned. You put it on and discover that it lets you take control of chipped monsters and use it to get over to the still un-chipped Harper, who begs you to go after the redstone heart since it will shut down PAMA. The headset is discovered by PAMA and you are kicked out from the monster and remove the headset before PAMA can blow it up. Your friends gather up buckets of water and ready to fight PAMA. You all go back to the town and launch your attack. Take the speed potion from Ivor and speed through the town, laying TNT as you go. PAMA is already building a new portal due to a chipped Harper’s help and you head inside PAMA’s core.
PAMA can tell you’re inside the core and sends monsters after you while you use your water buckets to deactivate two out of three spires that power PAMA. A chipped Harper is sent down to attack you, but you resist the urge to save her with the water and go for the third spire, pushing Harper into it once the spire is disabled. The redstone heart is now exposed, however Lukas is sent down to torment you, bringing up your failures as a hero, such as
Ruben. You still reach the heart. You try to pull it out, freeing Lukas briefly. PAMA takes control again and starts a fight that you win. With a final plea PAMA asks you to not remove the heart, but you do so anyway, destroying the evil computer.
Everyone is freed from PAMA’s control, and the townspeople begin to yell at Harper. Take Harper’s side and say she’ll help repair the town, which she happily agrees to and says she wants to make it up to everyone in the town. The exit portal is lit and Harper tells you of a portal atlas that can lead you home. She walks you over to a wall and sticks the redstone heart in a slot and a staircase is revealed.
Episode 8: A Journey’s End?
You take the redstone heart out of the slot and begin walking down the stairs with everyone towards the Old Builders. Harper begins being cryptic as you enter a void like location on the stairs and Lukas mentions being suspicious of her. Harper mentions the other builders will not be as cooperative as she was. You walk up to a normal looking door, which when opened reveals a blinding like. Harper shoves you all through and you fall. You crash into an arena where a game called spleef is being played. You start knocking the floor out from people and send them to their death by being crushed by pistons, which catches your group off guard. Your group is separated and you must decide who to help; Ivor or Petra. Considering Ivor has helpful potions, save him. To your horror, Lukas and Petra fall to be crushed by the pistons. In your anger you knock a person called Nell down and throw a block of lit TNT back at a gladiator who threw it at you. You yell at Nell for killing your friends, and Nell explains that these are games and the Old Builders control them. Just then, three people build out at superhuman speed onto the arena. They’re upset at you ruining their games. It’s then revealed that Lukas and Petra are alive due to a respawn system that the Old Builders set up. However they are sent to a place called the quartz mines because they lost. This is explained by an Old Builder called Otto.
Jesse asks for the portal atlas, which the leader of the Old Builders, Hadrian, refuses. He offers a deal once he sees the redstone heart. If you win his games, you can leave with the atlas, but if you lose everyone, including Harper, must go to the quartz mines forever. You agree and Hadrian orders Harper to show you and Ivor around. She shows you to a town where competitors are forced to live until they win. Harper leaves to go talk with Otto while you look around. You find that only one person has ever won the game, Tim. Another player is upset with you because you eliminated one of her teammates and threatens you. You also find that a gladiator has stolen Lukas’s journal. The guard to the quartz mines is hungry, so with the help of Nell you create food for him to eat and he lets Petra and Lukas go. Otto allows them to stay in town since they were unfairly eliminated.
The next day is the first game for your group. The leader that threatened you before, Emily, offers a deal to team up for the fighting segment. Considering she threatened you, do not take her deal, as she will most likely betray you. After the racing segment you reach the fighting portion with the gladiators, in which Emily is allowed to freely pass through. If you had taken her deal you would’ve been ganged up on. Ivor is eliminated but you reach the climbing portion. Emily attempts to knock Nell down to win the game, but you save Nell. Emily makes it to the finish line first, however Hadrian reveals he made a deal with Emily, which she broke since you were not eliminated, so the deal for Emily’s freedom is void, leaving Emily defeated as she walks away. Eventually a gladiator, Slab, the one with Lukas’s book, tells you Hadrian wants to talk. You can either follow him immediately, or hang behind after he asks you not to waste his time and talk to a miner. Follow after him quickly, as this will make the most sense for the story.
Inside Hadrian’s office you find Tim’s armor on display. Hadrian begins to explain that he wants to renegotiate your deal and that your presence disrupts his control over people. Hadrian attempts to threaten you into quitting the games so you stop spreading hope. It’s
then you are told Tim never existed. He’s a story Hadrian invented to give the competitors hope for the games to stay interesting. The games are rigged. No one can win. Hadrian then brings up your old treehouse and friends, due to the portal atlas revealing your backstory to him. He shows you a few obsidian prisons and shows you he captured Axel and Olivia. He also says he captured Ruben, although he misunderstood and kidnapped a random man called Ruben. Hadrian says if you win the games your friends will be stuck here. However if you lose the games he will let your friends go. Hadrian never keeps his deals, so don’t take it. It won’t do anything anyway.
You return to your friend, Harper and Emily. You tell them the offer Hadrian gave you. The group realizes that Otto, the stickler for rules he is, might still give you the atlas if you win. You just need to defeat every competitor. Competitors join around your group and discover the games are rigged. Some don’t think so because of Tim winning in the past. Here, you should choose to reveal Tim as a lie because that will remove the idea that the games can be fairly won. You say if everyone teams up together you can all win and go free. However the group doesn’t seem convinced and you go into the games unsure if anyone will truly help.
The next day you are put in an area that has been manufactured to make you fail in the survival game. There is no way to make any weapons. You are at the mercy of the other teams. The walls to the other areas drop. Emily charges at you..and hands you a sword. She is on your side. You and all the competitors start to head for the winner’s platform so they all can win the games, much to Hadrian’s and fellow Old Builder, Mevia’s, anger. The gladiator, Slab, from before walks over and joins you as well. The Old Builders come down into the area. Otto attempts to give you the atlas, but is locked away by Hadrian and Mevia, along with the other competitors. Only you, Emily, and Slab are left, and Emily runs. Slab tries to help but dies and is sent to respawn. Hadrian attempts to kill you, but once you gain the upper hand, Mevia kills you with two axes. You die.
You respawn to find Emily and your friends with stolen gear. You don Tim’s armor and emerge into the arena with tools. You first strike down Mevia, before going after Hadrian. He also falls and the remaining gladiators keep them corralled in the respawn area. Otto escapes the cage and congratulates you before giving you the atlas. You are then asked what should be done with Hadrian and Mevia, and to this you have already chosen. Again I must ask, would you rather fight ten zombie sized chickens, or a hundred chicken sized zombies. You should know the answer from the past article.
Slab returns Lukas’s journal to you before you leave, which you can then give back to Lukas. Everyone who wishes to go home goes to the portal network and begins finding their way home. Otto promises you that he will restore the games to their original design of just being fun and he returns home. Ivor then asks if he should say goodbye to Harper, as it’s been hinted he has feelings for her. Tell Ivor to say goodbye, as they were close and they’re mentioned together in the second game. You and your friends go home and lay out the treasures you found in your treasure room. The Eversource crown gifted to you by Isa, the White Pumpkin’s mask, the redstone heart, the atlas, and the flint and steel, and with Lukas’s blessing, his journal. Suddenly, the atlas disappears, with Ivor’s voice ringing out, begging for adventure.
You had to do some amazing things during your trip away from home. But you succeeded, prevented deaths, caused some, kept people happy, freed towns and people. You’re a real hero. A champion, some might say. A real champion. And though it seems like it, who knows if this is the end? Perhaps there is something bigger than you could have possibly imagined, right under your feet…
This game series adapts to the choices you make. The story is tailored by how you play.
