Tangled Tales/Text transcript/Violet Valley

Eldritch

 * Talk: In his gentle voice Eldritch says: "The farmers of Violet Valley have informed me that they are suffering an unnatural drought. Using the portal in the adjacent room, ascertain the origin of this abnormal drought and dispel it. Incidentally, the portal will only transport spellcasters".
 * Time distortion? "Time Distortion causes all the creatures, except for friendly ones near you, to move very slowly".
 * Omnivision? "The spell causes you to have accurate vision of your immediate area. Even secret areas become visible".
 * Gnihton? "A mysterious spell indeed. I trust an apprentice as clever as yourself should be able to determine the nature of that spell".
 * Force field? "The spell Force Field creates an invisible wall around your party which absorbs monster strikes. If the field is not shattered, it will remain for one day".
 * Awaken? "The effects of that spell should be obvious".
 * Recall? "The spell Recall allows the caster to teleport to an object we in the business refer to as a mystic anchor, an object attuned to the caster".
 * Detect monster? "That spell allows the caster to pinpoint the location of all creatures in a vast area".

You are standing on a circlar marble platform. A hollow voice queries: "Destination?"
 * Violet Valley: Since they cannot use the portal, your party decides to wait for you. Your body tingles all over and you feel slightly light-headed. Suddenly...

An unusually intricate cobweb stretches from the cavern floor to the wall.
 * Look cobweb: You immediately recognize the cobweb pattern as the spell Time Distortion.
 * Learn spell: You carefully inscribe the spell Time Distortion in your spell book.

A foreboding cavern opening leads into darkness.

Stockton farm
A placard over a closed gate reads: "Stockton farm: from our ground to your table,// All the food that we are able".
 * Open farm gate: The gate opens easily. However, you quickly dash in and close it to avoid letting the chickens out.

Rexx is snoozing in a fetal position.
 * Look Rexx: He is nothing but a hound dog.

Charlotte the pig is wallowing in a muddy puddle.
 * Look Charlotte: She is in need of a bath and a diet.

As you enter their coop, the chickens fly into a frenzy, burying you under a virtual avalanche of feathers. Visible item: magic feather.
 * Look magic feather: At a glance, the feather seems mundane enough, but close inspection reveals that it is covered with detailed runes and glyphs.

Logan
An old fossil of a farmer is sitting in a rickety rocking chair smoking a corncob pipe.
 * Look: He is clothed in overalls and a pair of worn dirt-covered boots.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Farmer Logan says: "Howie. You musts be dat archmage Eldritch sent ta cast dat rain spell ta removes our drought. Oddest drought I's ever saws. 'Bouts four months'go all de clouds dispears overnight. Next mornin' dere was justa one cloud high in de sky ands no more rain. And if I didn't haves enough troubles. A dang fool imp been snucking inta de chicken coop anda stealin' all de eggs. Dat imp's a rotten one, I wouldn't go a eggin'em on. Den last week, naw, it twas yesterday, I's finally caughts dat no accounts horse thief, Blade Jones. Gots 'em locks up 'til de king's men comes ta hangs 'em".
 * Buy: Logan says: "Sells ya a dangs good buckler for [10 to 40] golds?"
 * No: Logan says: "Well, if'n ya ever needs one, ya just visits me".
 * Yes:
 * Goodbye: "Bye".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Talk:
 * Greet: farmer Logan says: "De dang drought's over! De rain's been a comin' downs in sheet. Looks like ya finally gots dat rains spell rights. 'Bouts time".

Mrs. Logan
The dilapidated farmhouse before you has definitely seen better days.

Mrs Logan shoos you away with a broom while yelling: "Just whats I needs. Mo' of ya vaqueros trackin' muds ons my clean floors".

Joshua
A young boy views a topsy-turvy world.
 * Look: He is holding a rather dirty key.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Joshua moans: "Farm work is such a drag! Besides, I do not talk like anyone around here. What I really want to do is go see the circus".
 * Buy: Joshua jokes: "What? Me sell something? Never. I would be a terrible salesman".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".
 * Drop circus ticket: Joashua says: "Oh, hey, thanks! Now I can go see the Kringle Dancing Bears!" Dropping the key and the adze, Joshua hugs you and sprints toward the gate. Visible items: barn key, adze.
 * Look barn key: It is covered with chicken doodle.
 * Look adze: The adze has a two foot [half meter] long handle with a curved steel blade.

Blade Jones
A man is chained to a thin wooden post.
 * Look: Even chained, his dapper and de-bon-air manner is readily apparent.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Blade Jones says: "I say, this is quite awkward. Can you lend me a hand? Mine seem to be tied at the moment".
 * Hands? Blade Jones says: "I say: you must be deaf as well as daft. I did say they are tied, did I not?"
 * Horses? "I say: what is a few horses between friends anyway?"
 * Pirate? Blade Jones says: "Me? A pirate? Surely you jest!"
 * Buy: Blade Jones exclaims: "I say: I do believe I would sell my own mother to get back to my ship".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".

Obviously offended by the incarceration of this innocuous fellow, Bruce Leon smashes the wooden post with a well-placed karate chop, freeing the man. Blade Jones removes the chain and stretches out. "I say, my fortuitous friend, you have earned my undying gratitude. That was becoming dreadfully intolerable. Accompany me to my fabulous ship and we will sail to distant ports and exotic islands".


 * Look: Blade Jones is an omniscient pirate. He is wielding a staff, is carrying a buckler and wearing leather. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Blade Jones exclaims: "I say: let us find my ship and journey to exotic islands".
 * Leave?

Blade Jones exclaims: "I say: I find all this hiking quite odious".

The well
A short, circular wall of granite surrounds a deep well.
 * Look: The well is as dry as a desert.
 * Turn crank: After much turning, you bring up a bucket that is dry as a desert.
 * Swim in well: The committee for well safety has prohibited swimming in this well.
 * Climb down well: Either you are too big or the well is too narrow for you to climb down.

A short, circular wall of granite surrounds a deep well.
 * Look: The well is filled to the brim with precious water.
 * Turn crank: After much turning, you bring up a bucket filled with cool well water.
 * Drink from well: The well water adequately quenches your thirst.

Violet valley
A stoic scarecrow silently guards the wheat field.
 * Look scarecrow: It is haphazardly constructed of dry straw. Artistically, it is nothing to crow about. You find a corncob pipe hanging from the scarecrow's mouth. Visible item: corncob pipe.
 * Look corncob pipe: The homemade pipe appears to have taken quite a beating from the weather.

Visible item: garlic
 * Look garlic: It is a small clove.
 * Eat garlic: Your friends recoil in horror because your breath is now bad enough to wake the dead.

Unexpectedly, your feet begin to sink into the bog. By degrees, the rest of you becomes imbedded. Frantically, you grasp a convenient branch and pull yourself out.

Zilch
A loud explosion visibly rocks a pictoresque shack, almost blowing the fine walnut door off its hinges.
 * Look: The shack displays evidence of having suffered several small fires.
 * Knock door: A wizard invites you into his shack. His face is covered with carbon and his robe is smoldering.


 * Look: Having observed his matchless ability to cause fires, by appearances you certainly cannot doubt the potency of his enchantments.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Zilch the powerful says: "What say, I teach you an indispensable spell for, oh, say about [20 to 120] gold pieces?"
 * No: Zilch the invincible laughs: "Ha! Just you wait! You will come back begging me to teach you my spell!"
 * Yes: "No gold, no spell, I always say".
 * Yes: Zilch the omniscient warns: "Do remember: this spell is very powerful and exercise proper discretion". You carefully inscribe the spell Gnihton in your spell book.
 * Gnihton spell? Zilch says: "Whenever the odds are overwhelming, whenever your survival is in doubt, whenever you feel the weight of doom upon your shoulders, use the gnihton spell!"
 * Goodbye: "May the forces be with you!"

A fire extinguisher sits at the end of a well-worn table.
 * Look: Upon close inspection, it appears to have been through a fire or two.

Maxwell
An odd shadow catches your eye. Glancing up through the maze of leaves, you notice a house built at the top of a giant elm tree.
 * Look: From what you can see through the leaves, the treehouse appears comfortable enough.
 * Climb tree: You would have to be a member of another species to climb this tree.

An inviting vine hangs from a tree limb.
 * Look: The fine vine awaits someone brave enough to climb it.
 * Climb vine: You climb the vine to a large branch where you find another vine. After beating your chest and yodeling three times, you muster all your courage and swing off. Another tree suddenly materializes, blocking your path!
 * (North) Frantically, you let go of the vine and attempt to grasp another one. Oh, no! It is too late. Smash! With bone-jarring force, you come face to face with a tree. Without the time to inventory your injuries, you find yourself on the move again, this time downward. You are falling... falling... falling... Splat! A well-placed monstrupus pile of elephant dung breaks your fall.
 * (East) Frantically, you let go of the vine and attempt to grasp another one, only to narrowly avoid colliding with yet another tree. After repeating this stimulating experience many times, you arrive at a treehouse, amazingly enough, without any missing appendages.


 * Look: The frail old man is leaning on his cane.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Maxwell, the famous warrior, croaks: "Well, well, who have we here? A band of adventurers? I used to be an adventurer myself. Can I tag along?"
 * No: Maxwell says: "I can understand. I would probably just be in the way anyway".
 * Yes: "You will not regret this, friend".
 * Buy: Maxwell looks puzzled: "What is that you say you are selling?"
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Maxwell is a puny, lethargic, elderly warrior. he is barehanded and unarmored. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Maxwell says: "I seem to remember this exploring being a tad funnier".
 * Leave?

A fine vine leads down into the forest.
 * Climb vine: You easily descend the vine. Maxwell says: "You know, youngster, I built that treehouse myself. It took me two or three hours".

Maxwell brags: "When I was young, we did not have swords and shields. We had to fight the monsters with rocks".

Maxwell says: "You know, youngster, all this adventuring has done tuckered me out. I am going on home. Perhaps we will meet again".


 * Look: Maxwell is a powerful warrior. He is barehanded and unarmored. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Maxwell says: "What is up, bro', what it is?"
 * Leave?
 * Goodbye: "Later, fool!"

Garkon
In an old xyloid boat, a sailor is carving a block of balsa wood with a pocket knife.
 * Look Garkon: The young rogue has a long thin scar on the left side of his face.
 * Look rowboat: Painted on the side of the small sturdy boat is: "Sea Falcon".
 * Look carving: It resembles a miniature duck.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Garkon says: "'ail matey. 'ave you seen my captain 'bout? 'e went a scoutin' an' shoulda be back 'ours 'go".
 * Captain? "C'mon, mate, 'e is the successfullest pirate this side o' the law".
 * Pirate? "Well, mate, we sail all 'cross the sea raidin' and pillagin'".
 * Buy: Garkon says: "'ey matey, if I wanted your money, I'da steal it!"
 * Goodbye: "See ya 'round, mate".

Garkon salutes captain Blade Jones: "G'day, captain. Your scoutin' go okay?" Blade replies: "I say, my good man, it certainly had its moments. These fine folks rendered me aid and we will be taking them sailing". The two exchange a sly smile. Blade commands: "Cast off, Garkon". Garkon complies: "Aye, aye, captain". Garkon rows to the sea Lion, the felucca anchored a few leagues offshore. The ship sets sail and, after several hours, you find yourself accosted by a band of bloodthirsty cutthroats led by Blade Jones. After being persuaded at swordpoint to donate your gold, you are graciously invited to walk the plank. As the boat sails away, Blade Jones shouts: "Remember, my fortuitous friend, I did promise you would visit exotic islands". After a minute of floundering and swallowing some seawater, you swim toward Ichibod Island. Eventually you wearily wade ashore. Maxwell grumbles: "If I was in charge, things like this would not happen".

Gnu Gnu

 * Look: The three feet [1 m] tall gnome's frantic antics are an excellent example of hyperactivity;
 * Talk:
 * Greet: In one breath Gnu Gnu says: "Heyareyounotdaxamthatlegendarywizardwhocanmakepeopleshairfallout?"
 * No: Gnu Gnu says wistfully: "Imsorrymymistake. Itsjustyoulookabitlikehimwiththatwizardoutfitandall".
 * Yes: Gnu Gnu giggles: "Wellheyiwilljoinyoubecauseilikeseeingpeopleshairfallout!"
 * Buy: Gnu Gnu exhales: "Heythatremindsmetogobackandgetmygrapefruitsfromthemarketinwestmoor. Ileftabushelthereafterthatbigfire. Iwonderiftheystillblamemeforthat".
 * Pet rabbit? Gnu Gnu says: "Iwonderwhateverhappenedtomypetrabbit. Heisaboutfivefeet[1,5 m]tallwithskybluefur. Heanswerstomergan".
 * Goodbye: "Ilikelevators. Youcannotsaygoodbyeinaelevator".
 * Elevators? "Ijustlovethem. Iwatchedwhiletheybuildoneonce. Updownupdown... Maybewecouldfindonedaxam".


 * Look: Gnu Gnu is a swift gnome mechanic. He is wielding a dagger and wearing leather. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Didievertellyouaboutthetimeifoundamagiccarpet? Meandabunchofelvessnuckintothisenormousdragonscaveweweregoingtocatchitsleeping. Onlyforsomereasonitwasnot. Whilethosebraveelvesfoughtitiwentlookingforitstreasure. Foundamoundofgoldashighasatree. Iranbacktotelltheelvesandtrippedoverarolledupcarpet. Boythatwasfuntofly. Ameanoldnastyimpstoleitfromme".
 * Flying carpet? Gnu Gnu says: "Therewasareallyprettycarpetintheouterlobbyofthekingspalace. Itdepictedabattlebetweenthekingsknightsandtheevilgoblins. Theknightswerewinningithink".
 * Leave? Gnu Gnu says: "What? Youwantmego? Ok. Ithasbeenfunseeyoulaterdaxam".

Gnu Gnu suggests: "Heydaxamletustakeabreakfromadventuringandbuildasandcastle".

Gnu Gnu asks: "Heydaxamcanyouteachmetomakepeopleshairfallout?"

Gnu Gnu says: "Everheardofthefountainofyouth? Ialwayswantedtodropabutterflyinitandseeifitbecameayoungbutterflyoranoldmoth".

Gnu Gnu grabs a handful of sand, shifts through it, and announces: "Heydaxamthissandisrealcrummyforbuildingsandcastles".

Gnu Gnu wanders off, saying: "Goodbyedaxam. Sinceyouwillnotteachmehowtomakepeopleshairfalloutiamgoingtosearchfor Mergan".

The imp
Splat! Dozens of rotten eggs rain on your head! Looking up, you spot an impetuous imp laughing with malicious glee. The imp is riding a magic carpet high above you. (Charisma drop to minimum.)
 * With amazing quickness, Bruce Leon reaches out and snatches an egg in midair. He hands it to you and wipes his hands with a disgusted look on his face.
 * Eat rotten egg: Yuck! the revolting rotten egg tastes positively putrid. You will be lucky to survive 24 hours.
 * Throw rotten egg: You toss the egg as hard as you can. It sails through the air and hits the underside of the magic carpet.
 * Gnu Gnu catches an egg and throws it back at the imp, hitting him right in the face! In a fit of hysterical laughter he says: "Heydaxamthisisfun!"
 * Look: The violet-skinned three foot [1 m] tall imp is wielding a basket full of rotten eggs.
 * Throw dagger: You toss the dagger into the air, but it misses the imp by a mile and falls to the ground. You duck at the last second, successfully avoiding having your nose shortened.

Seeing the imp, Jinx screams: "An imp! Do not worry, o Master! I will stop him before he causes any more trouble!" Jinx bounds into the air and flies to the magic carpet. You hear Jinx and the imp exchange several horrendous insults. They grapple and suddnly disappear, leaving the magic carpet to drift lazily to the ground. Visible item: magic carpet.
 * Look magic carpet: The finely woven rug has a battle between knights and goblins embroidered on it.
 * Lie on magic carpet: Yes, happy campers, it is nap time!
 * Ride magic carpet: Once you have mounted the carpet, it slowly rises and glides through the clouds. After several minutes, the carpet abruptly lands.

Jinx
With childish enthusiasm, Gnu Gnu asks: "Heydaxamcanibuildasandcastle?"
 * No: Gnu Gnu grumbles: ""Somehowdaxamithoughtthisadventuringstuffwouldbemorefun".
 * Yes: Gnu Gnu spends a few hours diligently sculpting. While collecting sand for his modern masterpiece, he unearths an ancient bottle, which he examines and promptly discards. A regal sandcastle, complete with four towers and a drawbridge across a moat, resists being washed away by the waves. Visible item: green bottle.
 * Look sandcastle: You note that there does not seem to be any way to enter the towers from the castle proper.
 * Build sandcastle: After several hours of frustration, you realize you willnever be the sandcastle builder Gnu Gnu is.
 * Look green bottle: The smoked green bottle is plugged by a firmly implanted cork.
 * Pull the cork: The cork comes off with an audible pop. Immediately, you realize something is dreadfully wrong. You are becoming insubstantial and being sucked into the bottle!

A comatose djinni is lying on the floor.
 * Maxwell croaks: "APPRENTICE, I have seen cases like this before. Use something stinky to rouse him".
 * Look: The swarthy djinni is swathed in robes and sporting sandals.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Because of his comatose condition, Jinx the djinni seems to be lacking in communication skills.
 * Goodbye: Jinx does not respond.

Drop rotten egg: the foul egg rouses Jinx the djinni from his magical sleep. As he slowly gets up, he takes in the room.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Jinx the Djinni bows and says: "Salaam, o Master. Since you have freed me from my magical sleep, caused by that cursed imp, I am temporarily in your service".
 * Goodbye: "Salaam".


 * Look: Jinx is a herculean omniscient Djinni. He is wielding a sword, is carrying a wooden shield and wearing chain mail. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Jinx says: "Salaam yourself, o Master".
 * Leave?

You fall through a hole in the bottle and begin to enlarge until...

Jinx says: "I am honored to protect you, Master".

Sif-Nina

 * Look: One moment she is praying, the next she is practicing sword play. Evidently she has diverse interests.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Sif says: "By your looks, I would say you have partaken in many a battle. How about letting me demonstrate just how much more potent steel is than magic?"
 * No: Shrugging her shoulders, Sif says nonchalantly: "Maybe someday you will realize the mistake you have just committed".
 * Yes: Sif exclaims: "Ha! Imagine this! A mage accompanying a warrior. Will wonders never cease?"
 * Buy: Sif tells you: "The only thing I deal in is death and mayhem".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Sif is a powerful swift duelist. She is wielding a big axe and wearing plate mail. [She is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Somewhat haughtily, Sif says: "Just you wait, APPRENTICE; I will slice the next monster we meet before you can mumble two words".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Nina is a powerful swift pacifist. She is wielding a big axe and wearing plate mail. [She is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Nina says gently: "This one suggests you attempt to reason with your adversaries. Violence only begets violence".
 * Leave? Nina says softly: "This one realizes each must walk her own path. This one hopes you will one day achieve enlightenment".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Talk:
 * Greet: Nina bows and says gently: "Shalom aleichem. May this humble one be allowed to help you spread the ways of peace?"
 * No: Nina says softly: "This one will always remember you for your generosity toward a stranger".
 * Yes: Nina says softly: "This one regrets that you practice the ways of violence. Stray from this path before it is too late".
 * Buy: Nina says in a soothing voice: "This one laments those who experience avarice".

Sif says: "Hey, APPRENTICE, let us find some big monsters and turn them into little ones".

Nina says: "This one suggests we rest and commune with the abundant wildlife".

Nina firmly declares: "This one refuses to engage in an act of violence".

Nina says: "Clear lake water can cleanse the vilest pools".

Charles

 * Look: He appears intent on scouring the countryside searching for his beloved.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: You interrupt the young man while he is scouring the countryside shouting: "Veronica! Veronica!" Initially, Charles seems distracted: "Huh? Excuse me?" Noticing your robes for the first time, he is filled with hope. "I have heard of you! You can help me, can you not? My true love Veronica has been abducted by a giant". Charles continue: "I have looked everywhere, but I now not where the brute lairs. Please, rescue her, I beg of you! You are my only hope!"
 * Veronica? Charles, looking forlorn, says: "She is both intelligent and beautiful. I will slay that giant myself if i have to".
 * Jeb the giant? "He is cruel, ruthless and sneaky... And he has got my Veronica!"
 * Buy: Charles looks a bit shocked: "How can you think about commerce at a time like this?!"
 * Goodbye: "Please, wizard! Find Veronica for me!"

Idunn
A lovely female is sitting on a tree stump, petting a fawn.
 * Look: She has a reserved attractiveness about her.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Recognizing you, Idunn smiles warmly. "Well met, APPRENTICE. I see by your robes that you have achieved Magician status. So, you are on another quest. Perchance I may aid you. When you meet Sidney, ask him for some ginger".
 * Sidney? " can be found at the monastery".
 * Ginger plants? "When eaten, the roots of this plant endow one with immunity to some poisonous gases".
 * Buy: "We denizens of the forest are not materialistic".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".

The blue knight
Seeing your approach, a blue knight bellows: "Long have I waited to test thy mettle. I challenge thee to match thy steel against mine in a duel to the death! Dost thou accept?"
 * No: "Coward! The tales of thy courage are vastly overrated!"
 * Yes: "Ah, finally one who possess a stout heart!" (The rest of your party realizes that this is your fight and offer no help.)

Shao Lung monsatery
A sign over the closed door of a temple reads: "Shao Lung monastery".
 * Look: The grand monastery is mesmerizing.
 * Open door: The old door opens with a creak, allowing you to enter. Several monks are milling about the monastery's courtyard performing various duties.

Bruce Leon
'' Bruce Leon speaks correct Vietnamese, because one of the lead developers, Alex Duong Nghiem, is originally from that country. ''
 * Look: His unparalleled mastery of the physical arts is readily apparent.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Bruce Leon says: "Neu anh cho toi [10 - 80] dong, toi se chiu giup anh. Chiu khong?"
 * No: With a look of regret Bruce Leon says: "Vay thi chuc anh co phuc va khang an".
 * Yes: "Het say! Anh de y nha. Khong ko ai dan vo bang toi dau".
 * Buy: Bruce Leon says: "Toi khong co cai gi de ban het".
 * Goodbye: "Chao qui vi".


 * Look: Bruce Leon is a powerful swift martial artist. He is wielding a staff and wearing robes. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Bruce Leon says: "Noi chuyen lam gi? Di duc khong da hon ha?"
 * Leave? Bruce Leon waves goodbye and says: "Toi lam viec xong roi thi toi di ve luyen vo. Chao".

Much to your amazement, you notice that Bruce Leon has left during the night. karate waits for no man.

Brother Jenkins
A robed monk is obviously lost in thought. Your presence seems to have escpaed his notice.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Brother Jenkins whispers: "Oh, excuse me, brother. I was justinking about who I could send to retrieve a book that was stolen from our library".
 * Stolen book? "Er, yes, the book that was stolen was called Ivanhoe".
 * Cure? Cure which affliciton? (Poison, paralyzation, death)
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Drop Ivanhoe book: Brother Jenkins says: "In return for your kind service, allow me to teach you a spell few are privileged to know". You carefully inscribe the spell Awaken in your spell book.

Brother Sidney
A monk wearing a gray vestment is kneeling down busily tending a garden.
 * Look garden: The plants are organized into neat orderly rows.
 * Look Brother Sidney: The meek monk is quite animated.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Brother Sidney whispers: "I am sorry, but I cannot talk to you: I have taken a vow of silence".
 * Ginger plants? Brother Sidney exclaims: "Yes! They are my prize plants. Allow me to present you with one". Visible item: ginger roots.
 * Goodbye: "Bye".
 * Look ginger roots: The brownish ginger roots are quite aromatic.

The vestry
A beat-up wooden ladder leads to the monastery's vestry.
 * A beat-up wooden ladder leads to the monastery's outer courtyard.

On the floor is a rather untidy stack of books.
 * Look: One of the books catches your eye. It is a Vietnamese to English dictionary. Among the many entries are "dong is gold, duc is fight, chua is heal".

A sparsely filled bookcase leans against the wall.
 * Look: You manage to find a book about magic objects which lists the known objects which can be mystic anchors. Feathers and thimbles are both listed.

Several books reside in a short wooden bookcase.
 * Look: In one of the books, titled "Prima facie", you find instructions for casting the spell Omnivision.
 * Learn Omnivision: You carefully inscribe the spell Omnivision in your spell book.

Lying atop a golden altar is a holy symbol. Visible item: holy symbol.
 * Look altar: A score of flaming candles lies atop the well crafted golden altar.
 * Look holy symbol: It resonates with a strange magical essence.

Wildwood inn
A stately inn is nestled in the woodlands. A signpost in the front yard reads: "Wildwood inn".
 * Look inn: On a raised wooden porh is a unopened door.
 * Open door: You enter the inn and close the door behind you.

Burt
Seeing you approach, the innkeper turns away and wipes his face. It is obvious he has been crying.
 * Look: The emotionally distraught innkeeper is wearing a tunic.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Burt blurts out: "Sniff. Sorry about that. Would you care to spend a night in our luxurious inn? Only [10 to 70] gold pieces?"
 * No: Burt blurts out: "Always remember that our rest is the best!"
 * Yes: Burt blurts out: "have a nice night!"
 * Crying? Burt explains: "Oh, that is nothing. It is just that elf lady tells the saddest story I have ever heard".
 * Sad story? Burt says: "Sniff. Oh, it was a tragic tale about two lovers".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".

A fully functional bed awaits your resting pleasure.

Jenny
Tears form in your eyes upon hearing the sad tune played by a rather pretty female elf on her lute.
 * Look: She is sitting on a bed strimming her lute.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: With excessive melodrama, Jenny recites: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Dost thou agree?"
 * No: Jenny says: "Truly, it is a sad fact that geniuses are never appreciated".
 * Yes: Jenny says: "Well and good. Truly, it gladdens my heart to meet another scholar. Allowest me to accompany thee that we may discuss prose and suchlike".
 * Buy: Jenny says: "I had rather a story to make me merry, than gold to make me sad".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Jenny is an average looking elven minstrel. She is wielding a staff and wearing leather. [She is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Jenny recites: "For God's sake, let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings".
 * Leave? Jenny recites: "The time is out of joint. O cursed spite that I was born to set it right".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".

Jenny says: "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once".

Jenny says: "Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale, vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man".

Jenny says: "Truly, I hath need of thy healing".

Rest: As you break camp, you notice Jenny reading your book of poetry. As she returns it to your backpack, she says: "Truly, methinks ye will find it needful".

Ichibod island
You stub your toe on a conch shell lying on the beach. Visible item: conch shell.
 * Look conch shell: It is a brightly colored shell.
 * Blow conch shell: Inhaling a lungful of air, you blow the conch shell, releasing a mighty blast which threatens to deafen you and your comrades. For a few moments, nothing happens. Then, the water bubbles violently. A large head slowly rises out of the water and peers at you. Recognizing the conch shell, the beast plods toward you. It is a giant turtle! The turtle waits for you to climb on its back, and then lumbers into the ocean. Amazingly enough, in several hours you reach a nearby beach. You climb off the turtle and it swims away.

Amid a heap of boulders is a cave leading downward.

A humble fountain is fed by a little stream.
 * Look fountain: The young fountain is a bit too small to be a tourist attraction. * Maxwell kneels down and takes a sip of the water. Quite rapidly, you notice an amazing change in his appearance. He looks younger and younger. You guess the rejuvenated Maxwell to be about 25 years of age. Maxwell seems as surprised at this turn of events as you are: "Yo bro', I am a changed dude!"
 * Swim in fountain: Hey, this fountain is so small that you would have touble wading in it.
 * Drink fountain: Just as you are about to imbibe the water, you receive a vision. You see yourself becoming younger and younger until you are a toddler. The vision ends. Realizing that toddlers are not toted for their spellcasting ability, you wisely decide not to drink the water, after all.

Visible items: chain mail.
 * Look: The armor consists of many iron rings linked together.

Sky castle
Ride carpet: Once you have monted the carpet, it slowly rises and glides through the clouds. After several minutes, the carpet abruptly lands.
 * Once you have monted the carpet, it slowly descends, gracefully gliding through the clouds. After several minutes, the carpet abruptly lands.

Surrounding a small castle is a moat.
 * Look moat: A score of anxious alligators is waiting its turn to consume you.
 * Swim in moat: You dive in the moat. Seconds later, you are chased out by a score of killer alligators.
 * Maxwell leaps into the moat. Immediately, three dozen awesome alligators attack. He overcomes them by tying them up with their tails. Next, he leaps from the moat, climbs up the drawbridge and disappears over the other side. There is a moment of silence. Clank! Clank! The chain rattles loudly as the drawbridge lowers. Maxwell struts out and says: "Yo bro', where is breakfast?"

A huge net entangles everyone! Jeb the giant conks you over the head with his toothpick. When you come to, you find yourself in a giant room.

A humble pallet appears to have fallen into disuse.
 * Lie on pallet: This is no time for a nap. The giant could become hungry any moment.

A string hangs from the ceiling.
 * Climb string:Do not think for one minute that that mere piece of string could hold your weight.
 * Pull string: You hear a soft tinkle. The maid, Veronica, slips a loaf of bread through the feeding door. Visible item: bread.
 * Look bread: The large loaf is piping hot.
 * Eat bread: The large hot loaf smells delicious; a fitting last meal. You bite into the bread and experience a sharp pain. It seems there was a giant key hidden in the bread. (In inventory, "bread" becomes "giant key".)

Jeb the giant unlocks the door, shuffles into the room, and has a midnight snack! (Full party death.)

A humongous door with a large keyhole blocks your path.
 * Bruce Leon chops the door with his karate. Smash! The door holds. Bruce Leon removes numerous splinters from his hand.
 * Look keyhole: Peering through the keyhole, you observe a giant table with a giant chair on the other side of the door.
 * Pierre says: "Zis should be no pro-blam". He assumes gaseous form, flows through the large keyhole and opens the door. With a smile, he says: "Entrez, s'il vous plaît".

A wide staircase, with steep steps, leads downward/upward.

Lying on a colossal throne is an immense crown.
 * Look throne: It is so big that everyone can sit on it at the same time.
 * Wear immense crown: The crown slips over your head.

There is a brilliant flash of light, momentarily blinding you. You find yourself in a small room in a tower.
 * 1) Visible item: boring storybook.
 * 2) * Look boring storybook: The cover of the Eternal Boring Storybook is closed.
 * 3) * Open boring storybook: You open the book and read the most boring story ever. Even a dragon would have trouble staying awake through this one.
 * 4) Hanging from a string is a small bell.
 * 5) * Pull string: You cannot: the string is five feet [1,5 m] above you.
 * 6) A huge picture window boasts a spectacular view.
 * 7) * Look window: From this high up you can barely discern Verdant Forest from Clear Lake. You notice a very small valley which is directly south of Violet Valley.
 * 8) A noxious pool spews forth a vile liquid.
 * 9) * Look pool: The scummy water looks positively yucky.
 * 10) * Swim in pool: Swimming in the pool causes you to be changd into a repton. Your companions slay you out of pity! Fortunately, you have just had a short daydream.

An enormous dining table has a matching giant chair.
 * Look table: It is the size of a small house.

Veronica

 * Look: Considering her plight, the lass is conducting herself quite admirably.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Veronica runs up to you and whimpers: "While the giant was preparing for dinner, I slipped you a key. In return, I implore you to free me. I have been kidnapped and my fiance must be worried sick about me. Boo-hoo I just do not know what to do".
 * Buy: Veronica says: "Money cannot buy happiness, you know".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Veronica is a genius maiden. She is wielding a dagger and wearing leather. [She is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Veronica warns: "Why are we talking when wecould be walinkg?"
 * Fiancé? "Oh, he is the most wonderful man: kind, considerate and sensitive. I wish to be by his side as his bride".
 * Jeb the giant? "Jeb the giant is to be feared, although he is not very bright. Sometimes he will stub his toe and cry like a baby for hours. There is water everywher and You-Know-Who has to clean up afterwards".
 * Leave? Veronica says: "You have already agreed to help me. You are honoround to fulfill your promise".

Veronica asks: "Can we please hurry? My fiancé must be worried sick".

Veronica and Charles embrace. Charles says: "I know I can never repay you for returning my true love to me, but allow me to give you this cryptic key". The two lovers walk off in the sunset to start anew life by opening a bakery. Visible item: cryptic key.
 * Look cryptic key: The key looks quite puzzling.

Jeb the giant
Jenny suggests: "Truly, methinks I hath need of thy book of poetry".


 * Look: You estimate he wears size 719 shoes.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Fe fi fo fum".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".
 * Read book of poetry: [...] At the conclusion of the poem, the giant stifles a yawn. A minstrel you are not.
 * Drop book of poetry: Jenny takes the book of poetry, boldly approaches Jeb and says: "O majesty, if thou finds my tale to thy liking, allowest us to depart in peace". With the flair of a minstrel, Jenny commences reading. [...] Jeb the giant, obviously touched by the tragic tale, begins to cry uncontrollably. His tears rain down, flooding the chamber. Your band is buffeted helplessly by the torrent and washed out of the castle. The drought is over!
 * Greet: Jeb the giant is too busy sobbing uncontrollably to talk to you.

It appears someone has unsuccessfully attempted to make a monstrous bed.
 * Look bed: I would hate to see the size of the bed bugs.
 * Lie on monstrous bed: the bed is too soggy to slep in.

Gray cave
An ominous dark opening awaits exploring.

Your noisy entrance wakes a sleeping dragon. Pforzheim the dragon raises his immense head and in a booming voice says: "Time to die, fools!"
 * Move Pforzheim: It would take an arly to move the dragon.
 * Pull Pforzheim's tail: The grief that would cause is beyond belief.
 * Climb on Pforzheim: I can assure you that Pforzheim will not take being climbed on lying down
 * Open eternal boring storybook: You open the boo, and are compelled to read it. As the story drags on and on, Pforzheim the dragon closes his giant eyelids and falls asleep. You carefull tiptoe around a hue sleeping dragon.
 * Gnu Gnu reaches out to tickle the sleeping dragon! You restrain him at the last possible moment.

Lying on the floor of the cave is an ancient tome.
 * Look tome: It is titled: "How to Force the Issue". The tome explains how to cast the spell force field.
 * Learn the spell Force field.

Visible items: Ivanhoe book, buckler +1, book of poetry.
 * Look Ivanhoe book: "Tring, Wing and Ivanhoe, for striking of a blow, Hampden did forgo, and glad he could escape so".
 * Look buckler +1: Painted in the center of the small black shield is a golden circle.
 * Look book of poetry: The cover of the book of poetry is closed.
 * Open book of poetry: With a flourish, you open the book and begin your dramatic reading.
 * The tale I tell is a common tragedy.
 * Two young lovers married secretly,
 * naively not telling their families
 * for they hath long been mortal enemies.


 * Alas the lass was bethrothed to another
 * by her well-meaning unknowing father.
 * To mend the dilemma caused by her sire,
 * she paid a visit to the local friar.


 * He gave her a potion to end her breath.
 * This would allow her to feign death.
 * Her lover, upon hearing of her demise,
 * went to the vault where her body lies.


 * He beheld the maiden on her deathbed,
 * with a delicate face and lips most red.
 * Viewing her so, he lost all reason.
 * To reunite with her he quaffed poison.


 * But such is the twist of fate
 * that she awoke but moments too late.
 * To alleviate her unbearable grief
 * she sought death's sweet relief.
 * At the conclusion of the poem, you realize that it is a good thing you are an adventurer, not a minstrel. Otherwise, you would starve.

Stinky cave
Standing at the mouth of a cave, you are nearly overcome by an overpowering stench. What manner of beast could live in such surroundings?

Seconds after you walk by, the ceiling collapses. Rocks and dirt rain down, completely blocking the passageway behind you.
 * The passageway is completely blocked by a recent cave-in.

A cyclops wearing a stylish monocle says: "Good day! I am soooo glad you have volunteered yourself for dinner!"

A dozen feet [4 m] above you is a narrow ledge.
 * Nina suggests: "Perhaps you can reach the ledge by climbing on these rocks".
 * Look ledge: There is a shiny object on the ledge waiting to be retrieved.
 * Climb ledge: You find a sword lying on the ledge.
 * Look sword: The sword is well-balanced and the cutting edge is quite sharp.

Visible item: wooden shield.
 * Look: The oblong shield is made of hardened oak wood.

You find a secret door and carefully walk through it.

Mine shaft
A cursory inspection of the abandoned mine shaft before you reveals that it does not conform to the abandoned mine safety codes. Someone should be notified.
 * Look mine shaft: From the many tracks outside the mine it is really apparent that a moltitude of monsters are waiting to turn you into mince meat.

Your breath comes in short gasps as you climb a steep incline. A stalactite falls from the ceiling, dislodging a massive boulder which begins rolling toward you! The boulder is accelerating toward you! The boulder is directly behind you! Do something! Ccrraasshh! The boulder hits the wall and literally explodes!
 * Thousands of tiny little rocks litter the area.

A ceiling full of stalactites embeds itself in you.

There is a button on the wall. A sign reads: "Elevator out of order".
 * Gnu Gnu says: "Iwillhavethisworkinginajiffy". He then tinkers with the elevator for a while, finally announcing: "Ifixedit, Ifixedit! Itworks!"
 * There is a button on the wall. A sign reads: "Elevator fixed by Gnu Gnu".
 * Look elevator: The elevator consists of a huge wooden box suspended by a sturdy cable.
 * Press button: Gears grind. The floor descends, depositing you in a strange cavern. There is a button on the wall.

A tall muscular demon sits on a rock throne. Noticing your motley crew of adventurers, he smiles: "Oh, come on! Let us get serious! You do not expect to defeat me, do you? After all, I am a big bad demon. Oh well, if you are so bent on suicide, I may as well cooperate. This ought to be good for a few ho-hos!"
 * A tall muscular demon sits on a rock throne. Noticing Imrahz, the demon remarks: "Well, Imrahz, long time no see. Your taste in company has not improved, I will tell you that".
 * Noting the holy symbol, he adds: "Do not tell me you are going to try that corny banishing trick! Well, I have got news for you. We demons made up that whole schtick about banishment to decrease the grocery bill. Ha! Ha! I cannot believe how everybody fell for it". Imrahz, who seems quite unperturbed by the demon's remarks, raises the holy symbol and starts chanting. "No! Do not! I will give you anything", Myron screams. The air crackles with energy. An explosion rocks the whole cavern, filling your nostrils with the smell of sulphur. Imrahz says: "You have my eternal gratitude for the strength you lent me. Please accept these 30 gold pieces".

Visible items: staff
 * Look staff: The six foot [2 m] long pole was cut from an oak tree.

Mysterious writing has been carved into a slab of rock.
 * Look writing: The inscribed symbols are those necessary to invoke the Recall spell.
 * Learn the spell Recall.

While you are resting you have a dream. Chance, the patron deity of adventurers, speaks to you. In a musical voice she says: "You will be a shadow of your former self until you have restored your comrades to their full health".

Imrahz
A tall, frail man looks very glad to see you.
 * Look: It is apparent that being sealed behind a boulder has not done much for his health.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Imrahz shouts: "I am saved! I am saved!" He continues nervously: "Now, you really must help me banish Myro, that murderous demon. I will gladly pay you 30 gold pieces. Will you accept?"
 * No: Imrahz pleads: "Please! I beg of you! That is all the gold I have".
 * Yes: Imrahz sighs in relief: "Oh, thank goodness! For a second there, I thought I had to face the demon by myself".
 * Demon hunting? "I have banished a spirit or two in my time, but this is the first time I faced a really powerful demon".
 * Demon? "This demon is vicious and cruel. He trapped me behind a boulder to face starvation".
 * Goodbye: "Bye".


 * Look: Imrahz is an average-looking demon hunter. He is wielding a dagger and wearing robes. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: "Do you not think we should find some more people before we have to face the demon?"
 * Leave? "No", he howls, "You cannot mean that! Have you no compassion? If you leave, I am a dead man!"

Imrahz warns: "Without a holy symbol, this mission is suicidal".

Imrahz cringes: "I hear the demon sneaking up on us!"

Mausoleum
Visible items: thimble.
 * Look: The small metal cup has minute runes engraved on it.

An ornate tombstone reads: "Edgar, 1809 to 1849".
 * Look tombstone: It is covered with red dye 37. We are too civilized to use real blood.
 * Dig: You uncover a body which does not seem particularly happy about being dug up. The ungrateful corpse buries you in its place. Fortunately, you have just had a daydream.

You are standing on the grave of a dead man.
 * Look grave: The grave appears freshly dug. You uncover a partially buried key. Visible item: skeleton key.
 * Look skeleton key: It is made of carved bone.

A rather plain tombstone reads: "APPRENTICE, expected soon".

Just being in the proximity of the imposing stone mausoleum causes you to feel an unearthly chill.
 * You unlock the door using your skeleton key.

A mysterious coffin is collecting dust.
 * Look coffin: The coffin is made of polished oak. Who knows? It may be quite comfortable inside.
 * Open coffin: You steel yourself and reluctantly open the coffin, ready for combat. The coffin opens to reveal a horrible terrifying menacing... ladder leading downward!

A well-concealed ladder descends downward.

A closed sarcophagus lies in the corner.
 * Look sarcophagus: It shows signs of recent use.
 * Open sarcophagus: As you open the sarcophagus, a hand snakes out and grabs you by the throat, nearly choking you. Through blurry vision, you can make out a tall humanoid in tattered wrappings. (Fight!)

An unusually strange and mysterious light glows dimly on the ceiling.
 * Touch dim light: You cannot reach the light because it is twenty feet [7 m] ahead of you.
 * Look light: The light glows blood red.
 * Sif comments: "Was not that light green a second ago?"
 * There is a flash of magic and you find yourself elsewhere...
 * Look light: The light glows pale green.

The far corner of this room has collapsed. In the center of the room is a coffin.
 * A closed pine coffin lies on the floor.
 * Look coffin: it is closed.
 * Open coffin: The coffin is devoid of anything worthy of your interest, except for a strange scroll.
 * Look scroll: You discover that the scroll contains a description of the detect monster spell.
 * Learn the spell Detect Monster.

Gears grind. The whole room shakes. Slowly, the room moves, eventually coming to a stop.

A work table stands against the wall.
 * Look table: The five feet [1,5 m] high table looks quite durable.
 * Move work table: You push the table against the wall with the opening.

Ten feet [3 m] above you is an opening in the wall.
 * Look opening: Though it would be a tight squeeze, it appears you could fit through it, if you could reach it.
 * Climb through opening: The opening is too high above you.
 * A work table stands against the wall.
 * Climb work table: Standing on the table, with some effort you are able to crawl through the hole in the wall.

Once you have entered the room, a red mist envelops you. Your eyes start to tear and you begin to feel dizzy. Feeling quite miserable, you rush out of the room and slam the door.
 * With your eyes tearing, you crawl across the room as fast as you can.
 * Eat ginger roots: The pungent roots leave a bitter aftertaste in your mouth.
 * A red mist envelops you. Besides limiting your vision, the mist seems to have no effect on you.

Visible item: big axe.
 * Look big axe: The heavy battle axe has an iron head.

A scarlet statue abruptly comes to life and, in a guttural voice, demands: "Return my sword to me, that I may slay you". Once said, the statue returns to stone.
 * Look statue: The scarlet statue of a mighty warrior is missing a sword.
 * Drop scarlet sword: The statue abruptly comes to life and retrieves the sword and engaes you in combat.

Written on the wall in dried blood is: "The Crypt; abandon all hope, ye who enter".

Pierre
A majestic coffin lies on a stone slab.
 * Look coffin: Engraved on the coffin is: "Pierre lies here".
 * Knock coffin: Someone inside knocks back!
 * Open coffin: The coffin silently opens. A hand reaches out and grabs the side. Slowly, a man rises. Facing you, he smiles, displaying a set of fangs. He climbs out of the coffin and awaits your reaction.


 * Look: He looks as though he could use a good day's sleep.
 * Talk:
 * Greet: With a wave of his hand, Pierre bows and hisses: "Zallow me to entro-duce myself. I zam Pierre, ze famous vampire extra-ordinaire. I shall be most happy to, how you say eet, lend you a hand".
 * (Garlic) Pierre abruptly sneezes. "I zam sorry. Ett's zat I zam extremely zallergic to garlic. I cannot come zalong until you drop zat".
 * Garlic? Pierre says: "Eet seems zat ze garlic causes us vampires to sneeze uncontrollably".
 * Buy: An insulted Pierre says: "Do I look like a com-mon shop-keepair?"
 * Goodbye: "Au revoir".


 * Look: Pierre is a herculean vampire. He is wielding a sword, is carrying a buckler and wearing leather. [He is not wounded.]
 * Talk:
 * Greet: Pierre says: "Lying in zat coffing was driving me batty".
 * Leave? Pierre says: "Au contraire, I will not leave you until I have, how you says eet, paid my debt".
 * Buy:
 * No:
 * Yes:
 * Goodbye: "Bye".

Get garlic: Pierre knocks the garlic out of your hand and says: "I zam sorry. Eet is just zhat I am violently allergic to ze vega-table".

The monsters take one look at Pierre and run for the hills!

Pierre says: "Zhis light isz not good for my health".

Enter Shao Lung monastery: Pierre says: "Eet would not be prop-aire for me to entair. I will wait for you here".
 * Exit Shao Lung monastery: Pierre joins your party and says: "Eet probably would have been safe for me to enter, but I was not going to stake my life on eet".