Tangled Tales/Text transcript

In this transcript, "APPRENTICE" is a placeholder for the name of the player's character.

The bedroom
Before you is a simple bed. On the left of the bed is a nightstand; on the right is a chest.
 * Look at iron chest (Str+Spd = 0-1): The chest is open.
 * Open the iron chest (Str+Spd = 0-1): The chest is empty.
 * Look at iron chest: The lid is closed. On the lid is an intricate engraving of a hawk in flight.
 * Open the iron chest: You find several items.
 * Look at dagger: The foot long [30 cm] dagger has a sharp pointed blade.
 * Look at staff:
 * Look at big axe: The heavy battle axe has an iron head.
 * Look at robes: The loose sleeved gray robe is made of wool.
 * Look at leather:
 * Look at chain mail: The armor consists of many iron rings linked together.
 * Look at wooden shield: the oblong shield is made of hardened oak wood.
 * Look at nightstand: The short walnut nightstand has a single drawer. The drawer is closed.
 * Open the drawer: Inside the drawer is a hand mirror.
 * Look at hand mirror: While looking in the mirror, it occurs to you that you really ought to take better care of yourself.
 * Look at bed: It is a bit messy, but adventurers hardly ever have time to make their beds.
 * Lie on the bed: You find the bed incredibily comfortable. You are not the least bit sleepy. Wait until you are?
 * Yes? Your rest was satisfying and uneventful.

A plaque on the door reads: "APPRENTICE the Initiate".

Jacob
Jacob is waiting for you outside your door. In his friendly voice he says: "The aarchmage Eldritch requests your presence in his quarters upstairs immediately." Jacob then turns and gracefully walks down the stairs.


 * Look: The dignified stout butler patiently attends his newest charge.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Now, APPRENTICE, I am the one who greets people in this hall. What are you trying to do? Steal my job?"
 * Buy: "You are sadly mistaken. I am a butler, not a salesperson."
 * Chance? Obviously surprised by your question, Jacob says: "Why, everybody knows Chance is the patron deity of adventurers." Lowering his voice, he adds: "Chance usually visits adventurers through dreams. Beware: she is often quite fickle."
 * Goodbye: "Fare thee well!"

As you leave the tower, Jacob says: "I bid you good fortune and may Chance guide your destiny."

Looming before you is an immense four story tower.

As you enter the room, you are greeted by a familiar face. Jacob approaches you and says: "Hail, APPRENTICE. I trust that your journey has been successful?"

Eldritch
A gold plaque on the door reads: "Inner sanctum of the Archmage Eldritch".

Your master is seated behind a desk reading a book. At his side is a crystal ball resting on a dragonclaw stand.
 * Look: He is an elderly man with a long white beard and white hair.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: in his calm reassuring voice, Eldritch says: "I am in need of a new component for a new spell which I am researching. Your first task as an apprentice is to fetch me some adamantite dust. If you require assistance, seek out a man called Riley. He is indebted to me for past services rendered. Rest assured, APPRENTICE, that your apprenticeship with me will be both eventful and educational. Remember: should you ever need information about one of your spells, simply ask."
 * Buy: "I have nothing to sell you, but perhaps I can offer you some wisdom. Look closely at everything and talk to everyone you meet."
 * Goodbye: "Good luck, APPRENTICE."
 * Light? Heal? "The effects of that spell should be obvious."

Look at crystal ball: You view thousands of visions. In a few seconds, you are completely overwhelmed.

The door is locked and you do not have a key that fits the lock.

Drek
A silver plaque on the door reads: "Drek the Magician".

Drek says: "If you must loiter, please do it somewhere else. Begone!"

Drek is mixing up a potion on his workbench. As you enter the room, he looks up and demands: "My time is valuable! What do you want?"
 * Look: From his expression, the proponent of potions is not someone to be trifled with.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Hello, APPRENTICE. Do you not have something to do?"
 * No? Drek says: "Then you need to converse with our master. Just go up the stairs outside of my door."
 * Yes? Drek says: "The do it elsewhere! I am set upon a task for the master."
 * Eldritch? "Quite frankly, no one can fathom his nature."
 * Daxam? "I recommend you exercise caution with that sour fellow."
 * Potions? "My knowledge is the result of years (that is right: YEARS) of hard work, and I will not share it with just anybody!"
 * Moe's magic shop? "Indeed, a delightful establishment. I can hardly wait for the next sale."
 * Buy: "Can I interest you in a powerful potion for [10 to 60] pieces of gold?"
 * No? "Well, if you ever desire a potion, contact me."
 * Yes? You have not enough currency to make a purchase."
 * Yes? Drek states: "Use this potion wisely, APPRENTICE".
 * Look at unpetrify potion: The deep orange liquid smells faintly of cinnamon.
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

Drop brochure: Drek picks up the brochure and quickly studies it. He exclaims: "This is what I have been waiting for!" Drek pronounces a word and disappears.
 *  Talk: A slightly annoyed Drek says: "Is it not that just like Moe to have a big sale and then take off fishing? Why, the nerve."

A scroll is lying on the top shelf of a bookcase;
 * Look: The heading of the scroll reads: "Heal spell, use in case of emergency".
 * Learn the heal spell: You carefully inscribe the spell "Heal" in your spell book.

Daxam
A bronze plaque on the door reads: "Daxam the Conjurer".

The elf conjurer is levitating beside his bed with his legs folded.
 * Look: The balding elf appears to be in his mid hundreds.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Startled by your shrill voice, Daxam loses his concentration and crashes to the floor. Thud! Embarassed and angered, he casts a spell which makes most of your hair fall out. After exacting his revenge, he resumes levitating. (Charisma drops to "offensive"! Go and rest in bed.)
 * Bye: "Goodbye! And do not come back!"

The laboratory
The room is filled with shelves overflowing with various paraphenalia: flasks, bowls, dishes, cups, etc. In the center of the room is a table with a bubbling flask. It seems an experiment in progress.
 * Look at experiment: All the containers except one contain something. The empty one is labeled: "adamantite dust".

Hanging on the wall is a beautiful painting.
 * Look: The painting shows an elderly wizard casting a spell at a frightening skull floating in midair.

The library
Shelves of books line the entire room. In the center of the room is a table.

Lying on the table is an old leather-bound tome.
 * Look: Inscribed on the yellowing parchment is the "Light" spell.
 * Learn the light spell: You carefully inscribe the spell "Light" in your spell book.

Against the wall is an interesting bookcase.
 * Look: Among the many books, you find a book titled "Creatures in the Realms of Darkness" by the famous archmage Niltsiar. The first chapter deals with hideous creatures called doppelgänger which have the unique ability to appear as any creature.

Against the wall is an interesting bookcase.
 * Look: Most of the books are beyond your comprehension; however, in one book, "Geologia Principalia", you discover a fascinating theory on transmutation. According to the theory, it is possible to convert coal into diamonds by dropping it into a magic pool.

The map room
In the center of the room is a round table with three chairs. Posted on the south wall is a map of Fairhaven Valley.

The tower basement
A circular pool is half filled with a brilliant pink liquid.
 * Look: The shallow pool has a diameter of 5 feet [1.5 meters].
 * Swim: Since the pool is only knee deep, you look utterly ridicolous! You close your eyes, shiver, and have a vision of a wizard dropping diamonds into a pool closely resembling this one. You eventually recover enough to continue exploring.
 * Drink: The pink liquid tastes quite bitter and makes you feel slightly nauseous. You eventually recover enough to continue exploring.

The village of Fairhaven
Before you is a stately courtyard fountain.
 * Look at fountain: A jet of water springs upward from a circular pool. Swimming around in the very clear water are a score of attractive goldfish. On the bottom of the pool, far beyond your reach, is a blue key.
 * Swim in the fountain: Swimming in the public fountain is frowned upon.
 * Drink from the fountain: Surprisingly enough, it tastes like water.
 * Look at goldfish: They are swimming near the surface as though they are expecting something.
 * Eat the goldfish: No sakhi, no sushi!

A colorful poster depicts three bears balanced on balls. It reads: "The Greatest Show". Written across the poster in red is: "Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances".

An ancient, partially torn down house stands before you. Posted on the door is a sign that reads: "Danger! Haunted house!"

Moe's Magic Shop
Above the roof in multicolored smoke is: "Moe's Magic Shop". Hanging on the doorknob is a sign: "Gone fighing: back when I catch something".

A sign on the couter reads: "Free brochure: take one".
 * Look at brochure: It lists all the items in Moe's inventory. At the bottom of the list is a coupon which entitles the bearer to buy potions at half price.

Mayheco
A sign swings back and forth in the breeze. On the sign is a picture of a wine goblet and a caption which reads: "The Crystal Goblet: where the beer is!"

Upon entering the tavern, you are nearly overcome by the crowd noise and the stench of dwarven beer.

Standing in front of a wall of wine casks is Mayheco, the noted bartender.


 * Look: Mayheco is a bit overweight and appears friendlyenough. While you are studying him, he is cleaning a glass.
 * Talk:
 * Greet, buy: "Well met, my friends. May I interest you in a mug of fine dwarven beer? Only [10 to ] gold pieces."
 * Yes: "You cannot afford it. Why do you not get a job?"
 * Yes: "Ah, I see that you are a connaisseur also." Setting down his towel, he grabs a decanter of beer and fills two mugs. Handing one mug to you, he toasts: "To your health!" Between gulps Mayheco says: "I can tell by your odd appearance that oyu are a wizard like Drek. He stops by occasionally for a drink or two after shopping at Moe's Magic Shop."
 * No: "Then perchance you would be interested in some news? Only 10 gold pieces."
 * No: "If you are that cheap, then go bother old . He will spin you a tall tale or two. Ask him about Alvin." As he leaves to wait on a paying customer, he says: "And do not come back until you have got some money."
 * Yes: You cannot afford it.
 * Yes: "I hear tell that there is a foolhardy chap staying at the Sleeping Dragon who intends to slay that pain in the neck wizard Xavier all by himself. What a fool."
 * Drek? "All he talks about are those potions of his. Tells me he is saving up for a really powerful one. What a waste."
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

Billy Bob
Above the doorway, a large sign with a drawing of a bucket reads: "Buckets by the bundle".


 * Look: Standing before a wall of his wares, the distinguished bucket maker appears ready to make a sale.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Howdy, pardner! I reckons y'alls looking for a bucket. I makes best buckets this side the Raven Mountains. Why, folks comes from all overs to buy my buckets."
 * Buy: Billy Bob drawls: "Ya looks like a good sort. I reckons I kin sell ya a bucket for [10 to 80] gold pieces. Deal?"
 * No: "Ya sure ya wants to turn down a bucket likes this? Why, look at the qualitay."
 * Yes: "Ya ain't gots the gold."
 * Yes:
 *  Alvin? "Dang it anyways, no one believes me, but I swears dat Alvin the Adventurer dropped on by heres t'other day. At first, I couldn't believes it myself. I means: here's someone who's been 'cross the whole world and here he stopped ats my shop. Fors directions, even! Anyhows, I tells him dats those doggone goblins up north bein' givin' us trouble. I heared he's gonna deals wit'em. Though he's plenty tough, I reckons he coulds use some help."
 * Goodbye: "Ya all comes back now, ya hear."

Sedrick
Printed on a window next to the door is a large "$" with two vertical swords through it. Written below it is: "Swords for Hire".


 * Look: He is frantically scanning his rhyming dictionary.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Pay me a measly [10 to 50] gold pieces a day// And I will gladly slay anything in your way.// Okay?"
 * No: "Well, if you are ever in need of a fighter such as I,// Feel free to come on by."
 * Yes: "You have not the cash// For me to join the bash!"
 * Yes: Sedrick jukes: "Let us go a romping// And a monster stomping!"
 * Inquire about anything: "I do not mean to sound contrary,// But I am not a dictionary!"
 * Buy: "I have no items to sell,// But not being a craftsman// That is probably just as well."
 * Goodbye: "Bye!"

Look: Sedrick is a powerful moronic swordsman. He is wielding a sword, is carrying a buckler and wearing chain mail. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "I constantly find it a delight// To slay monsters left and right!"
 * Ask Sedrick to leave:
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

Sedrick says: "Instead of roaming little cattle,// Let us go find a good battle!"

Sedrick says: "No cause to be afraid,// Just more creatures on which to test my blade!"

Mary
A wooden sign with a detailed painting of a large red dragon reads: "Inn of the Sleeping Dragons".

Standing behind a counter is a tall, well-nourished woman.
 * Look: She is a middle-aged woman wearing a simple sky-blue dress.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Mary gaily says: "Hail, weary traveler. Desire a room to rest yer bones in? [10 to 70] gold".
 * No: "Then stop wasting my time and get out of my inn."
 * Yes: Mary says: "You are too poor to sleep here. Try the courtyard, it is free".
 * Yes: "Cash in advance, of course. One in your line of work often does not live to see the next sunrise."
 * Riley? "The laziest knight in the realm is in his customary coma in room four."
 * Goodbye: "Have a nice day!"

Sir Isaac
Sitting at this table is a rotund man drinking beer.
 * Look: The rather rotund fellow is quaffing beer at an utterly amazing rate.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Between beers, he manages to burp out: "I sure could do with an apple or two."
 * Buy: "You are kidding! Do I look like a bloody salesman?"
 * Goodbye: "Good day, mate!"

Drop apples: The apple falls on Sir Isaac's head and sobers him up. With a quizzical look on his face, he picks up the apple and considers something. "Now, what caused that apple to fall?" Struggling, he adds: "I avent time ta be thinkin' 'bout that now. Hey, APPRENTICE, let's find me good mate Riley and go seekin' adventure."
 * Look: Sir Isaac is a genius mathematician. he is wielding a staff, is carrying a buckler and wearing robes. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Sir Isaac says: "Let's 'ave a spot o' tea, APPRENTICE".
 * Riley? "I dare say 'e's the greatest knight o' the realm!"
 * Gravity? "When it comes right down ta it, mate, I don't know wot's up."
 * Goodbye: "Good day, mate!"

Sir Isaac begins humming a catchy adventuring tune.

Sir Isaac says: "C'mon, APPRENTICE, let's kick some butt!"

Riley
This whole hallway vibrates with loud snoring.


 * Look: Lying amid a pile of blankets is a beanpole of a man sleeping about as soundly as one can sleep.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Half asleep and bleary eyed, he mumbles: "Do not bother changing the sheets. I plan to stay until my friend Isaac sobers up and that could be days. You can sweep the floor if you want. Tell Mary that I am not to be disturbed". He climbs onto bed and promptly begins snoring again.
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

Talk: Riley wakes up and cheerfully says: "Ah, Sir Isaac, my friend, I am glad to see you again. And who is this colorfully clad individual?" Sir Isaac replies: "This be APPRENTICE, apprentice to the archmage 'imself, who cured me o' me drinkin' 'abits an' even 'elped me discover gravity!" Riley bows and says: "A pleasure to make your acquaintaince, APPRENTICE. Give me a moment to gather my equipment, then let us go explore this great land of ours".
 * Look: Riley is an average looking knight. He is wielding a big axe, is carrying a wooden shield and wearing leather. [He is not wounded.]
 * Greet: "Boy, this adventuring is fun, is it not?"
 * Entrance? "I have heard that it is under that large boulder on the plains."
 * Fizzle? "Fizzle was an archmage who lived in Fairhaven Valley. He disappeared some ten years ago."
 * Isaac? "Let me tell you, APPRENTICE, while he is not a great warrior, I think he is quite the knight."
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

For some reason, this hallway seems strangely silent.

Cookie

 * Look: He is wearing a greasy apron covered with various unidentifiable food stains. Currently he is busy sprinkling spices into a giant boiling pot of stew.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "You ought to try a bowl of my world famous stew."
 * Stew? "It is based on an old family recipe, although I have added my own touches: swamp moss, eye of newt, that sort of stuff."
 * Goodbye: "Bye."
 * Eat the stew: As Cookie hands you a bowl of his tasty stew, something falls out of his apron. Because the smell nearly overpowers you, you pinch your nose and, mustering all your courage, you eat the stew and promptly faint. Eventually you are able to stand. Visible item: box of matches.
 * Look at stew: The green liquid bubbling in the pot smells awful. I bet you are glad you do not have to eat the stuff.
 * Look at box of matches: Written on the top of the box is: "Complements of the Crystal Goblet".

An old wine barrel rests in this dusty corner.
 * Look at barrel: The old barrel is constructed of oak staves and rusting iron hoops. The barrel is sealed shut.
 * Open the barrel: Prying open the lid of the barrel reveals that the barrel is half filled witha murky liquid. Reaching into the liquid, you get your forearm bitten off! Ouch! Reaching into the liquid with your other hand, you hear the sizzle of acid dissolving your forearm. Double ouch! Luckily, you realize your imagination has been playing tricks on you. Reaching into the liquid, you pull out a pouch. You pour out the contents of the pouch and find 40 shiny gold coins.
 * Look at pouch: The cracked gray pouch has a black leather draw string.
 * Drink: Even though the wine is a bit spoiled, it does not taste half bad. (status changes to "drunk")

Brother Vincent

 * Look: By all appearances, he does not have a funny bone in his body.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Greetings yourself, apprentice. You must be Eldritch's new apprentice. I dare say you look a bit under qualified. No matter, I am sure you will do well."
 * Cure? "Cure which affliction?" (Poison, paralyzation, death?)
 * Goodbye: "Bye."

Phineas Taylor
Sitting at a table is an oddly dressed fellow who is obviously depressed. He looks at his mug with a blank face, as if remembering happier times
 * Look: He is wearing a tall top hat and is dressed quite colorfully. He is wearing a white shirt, black pants, black boots and a blue jacket. At his side are three leashes.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: He looks up and whimpers: "I am sorry of I am not very sociable, my friend, but I have recently lost my main attraction. The Kringle Dancing Bears helped make The Greatest Show what it is today, or should I say 'what it was yesterday'? A few days ago, the bears escaped and now, unless I can find them, The Greatest Show will be no more."
 * Kringle Bears? "Well, let us see... There are three of them: momma bear, papa bear and baby bear. They are really quite intelligent, you know."
 * Goodbye: "Bye."