You arrive at a street… It’s a corner even. Where? What? You look at the map again. Mhm. It seems that you have to put your back to the church and your nose towards the corner of a street; Mirallers.
“Santa Maria del Mar is still the most popular church for weddings … Brides do not realize what may or may not has happened here while they declare their love to their future spouse in ths church. Santa Maria del Mar is plain, simple and could even be described as ‘silent’ on the outside. But once you step inside it is breathtaking and much ‘louder’. Let’s hope the legend of the paralysis of the bride of Santa Maria del Mar was a metaphor for the style of the church. Oh and the cemetery? It’s everywhere around you … So beware.”
“What a remarkable story. Both, actually. How much is based on the truth will remain a mystery. But Legends and myths exist since the dawn of day to be able to discuss topics that are otherwise too difficult to discuss.”
Always check the Dead … On a cold grey night, a young woman died on her wedding day without warning. No one can explain what happened to her. No Disease, no discovered cause. She just collapsed before she could vow herself to her fiancé. To honor her, they dressed her in her wedding dress and jewelry during her funeral. Consumed by grief, the family returned home after the funeral. Not knowing what mistake, they made, they left the bride all alone in her coffin in the church overnight. Only a few hours later her family opened the door to find their dead daughter In her wedding dress, covered in blood on their doorway.
So, what had happened to the young girl? Some say she suffered a case of paralysis and was revived by the pain of thieves ripping out her earrings from her ear lobes while stealing her jewelry.
Others were convinced that the dead bride had been risen from her coffin during the night.
But most importantly; what would have happened to the bride if she did suffer a case of cataplexy and no one bad revived her?
It has come to our attention that the villages of Barcelona located close to the cemetery of Santa Maria, have been complaining about noises in the night. After executing the traitor general Josep Moragues I Mas, and placing his head on the end of the gallows close to the cemetery, people have been complaining about it.
We firmly addressed that his head will and shall not be moved for the next twelve years and that it will be a reminder for them to not provoke you. The first day they seemed to understand. But then a couple days after, they returned and asked again. With more desperation this time. Ghey explained that the head cries all through the night and that his weeping is louder than any other noise. Our first response was to laugh. We laughed at them for atleast 15 minutes. But then an older lady invited us in the night. Go see it ourselves. Our youngest member agreed firmly and after some beers we went to the graveyard. Majesty, they were not only right … I1 is worse than we expected. We saw our own brothers of the field fighting the soldiers of the general. he was not only crying, he also commanded all the fallen soldiers to slay our burried brothers. We have never seen something so sinister as bleeding corpses fighting each other. The mysterious old lady was next to his head as she looked at us… staring. She only whispered; ‘Bury your dead somewhere else and leave our death sons alone’. Tomorrow, if you allow us, we will move the graves of our soldiers and from now on we will bury our soldiers outside the city. regards, General J.
Ah! You are finally here. Took you a while to crawl out of bed, didn’t it? No matter. We have work to do.
I will keep this brief. Pay attention. This story explores the darkest parts of Barcelona’s past. Some stories are genuinely unpleasant. If that troubles you, now would be the moment to leave.
Know where you are (or pretend you do)
Barcelona is large. The centre, however, is surprisingly straightforward. You will work this out soon enough. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings. You never know what you might witness.
Getting around
Barcelona Card: Free entry, discounts, unlimited transport.
Hola Barcelona Card: Unlimited travel for a fixed time.
10-journey metro ticket: Sensible. Efficient. Unromantic.
Choose one. Walking everywhere builds character, but so does arriving on time.
Eat and shop like a thinking person
Was that rude? No, right? Barcelona is full of charming plaças (squares). That is where the good food lives.
Avoid restaurants on La Rambla. They are loud, expensive, and disappointing.
Challenge yourself: Find a restaurant in a Gothic Quarter square. You will eat better.
The same applies to shopping. La Rambla offers international brands you already own. The Gothic Quarter offers local, affordable, and actually interesting shops. That is where proper souvenirs are found.
Do not ruin the experience
Barcelona can be overwhelming. Crowded. Loud. Relentless.
If it becomes too much:
Stop.
Sit down.
Drink something.
Stay in one place for a while.
Do not continue the quest with a headache. That would be foolish.
The map is your master
There are 25 locations in Barcelona. You may visit them in any order. This is an open world map. You are in control.
How this actually works (pay attention)
Open the map.
Pick a location.
Click it.
Read the chapter.
React to the Quest.
Return to the map.
Repeat until satisfied or haunted.
Each location has:
One chapter
One story
One mission
Skipping things is how people miss things.
PS. Kim doesn’t dare to tell you, but she actually removed the ‘go to Google Maps’ option. Why? Because you will understand a city much better when you actually need to find your way. I will never rat you out if you use another phone to use Google Maps to quickly find your route. Every Chapter has the coordinates and address. But do try to find your way once. It’s easier than you think.
You do not need to be there
Don’t tell Kim.. But you can read stories anywhere. A café. A couch. While having a dramatic existential crisis.
Going to the actual locations is recommended. Ignoring that advice is your choice.
History, but tolerable
Everything is based on real history. Facts. Myths. Legends.
Some parts are written creatively. That is on purpose. This is not school.
If I say you received a letter from me. You didn’t. I’m only a digital butler. But the information is real.
The progress bar (touch it)
The progress bar shows where you are. It also hides extra information.
Click everything. You cannot break it. I’ve tried.
The journal knows what you’ve done
The journal tracks:
Progress
Relationships
Reputation
Achievements
Coins
If you clicked something, it will be there. If it is not there, you didn’t.
You can find the journal:
In the attic
In the top bar
The bars (top and bottom)
Top bar: Information. Progress. Updates.
Bottom bar: Fast travel. Because scrolling is so 2016.
Click everything. Still unbreakable.
Decisions are final
When you choose an option in a mission: That is it. No undo. No crying. Please
Choices have consequences.
You gain:
Points (levels)
Coins (spend them)
Reputation (good or evil)
Relationships (including with me)
Choose wisely. Or don’t.
Evil is an option
You do not have to be nice. Being terrible is sometimes rewarded according to Kim.
If you make me your enemy, congratulations. If you make me your ally, my sisters will be furious. Both outcomes amuse me.
Familiars (pick a favourite)
You have five familiars. Each has a personality. Each guides you to certain locations.
Familiars also comment, judge and provide extra insight
You don’t have to do everything (but you should)
You may complete as many locations as you want. However. The end mission requires knowledge. More locations = better ending.
Skipping content has consequences. Sensing a theme yet?