Start of a transcript of: Nonverbal Communication An Interactive Fiction by Allyson Gray Release 1 / Serial number 240406 / Inform 7 v10.1.2 Inform 7 v10.1.2 Identification number: //05D79D2A-CE21-4F66-BE23-2D72D0AE64EE// Interpreter version 1.3.6 / VM 3.1.2 Undo Output Control version 6.0.220529 by Nathanael Nerode (based on the extension by Erik Temple; integrates Empty Command Handling by Daniel Stelzer based on code by Matt Weiner) >* cool setup! That's no longer in your vocabulary. >think You think about the next step in your plan. [NOTE TO PLAYER: you can type HELP or ABOUT for more detailed instructions, but be warned they may contain spoilers. Typing THINK again will show contextual hints about your progress in the game, and WAIT can be used at any time to gauge the state of a room. Here is a list of other available commands: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, TRANSCRIPT, VERIFY, VERSION.] >* ah, interesting You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositer That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles and shifts in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >* hmm, not 100% sure what I'm doing here yet You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles and shifts in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles and shifts in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles and shifts in the Depositor Automaton's grasp. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton keeps the Ambler Automaton in its grip. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton claws at itself unsuccessfully. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton gently places the Gazer Automaton on the floor of the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >* ah, I see You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >z A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >l That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton places itself underneath where the Gazer Automaton is suspended. The Gazer Automaton remains in the prongs of the Depositor Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >* oh blarg, thought I could get the gazer to walk around You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is dangling from the ceiling, its claw empty. The Gazer Automaton is lying on the floor. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton gently places the Gazer Automaton on the floor of the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >think You struggle to detect anything beyond your immediate surroundings. If only you could find something to bolster your senses... >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton wiggles in the air, making the Depositor Automaton's claw shake. The Depositor Automaton places the Ambler Automaton on the floor so that it stands over the Gazer Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton claws at the stone walls, but fails to pick up the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton swings its claw around, but doesn't manage to deposit its charge on itself. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton places itself underneath where the Gazer Automaton is suspended. The Gazer Automaton remains in the prongs of the Depositor Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >undo Workshop [Previous turn undone.] You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the workshop. The Ambler Automaton is standing on the floor. The Depositor Automaton is holding the Gazer Automaton between the tips of its prongs. The Gazer Automaton is suspended in the air. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on the Ambler Automaton's gently sloped back, and it slides down to the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton spins around in the middle of the workshop. The Depositor Automaton claws at the stone walls, but fails to pick up the workshop. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton picks up the Ambler Automaton. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >workshop You extend your energy towards the workshop. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton jiggles its legs in midair. The Depositor Automaton sets the Ambler Automaton down on the workshop's floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >depositor You extend your energy towards the Depositor Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands underneath the Depositor Automaton and hops around. The Depositor Automaton claws at itself unsuccessfully. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >* Not really sure how to see through the gazer... That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >think gazer I only understood you as far as wanting to think. >think You struggle to detect anything beyond your immediate surroundings. If only you could find something to bolster your senses... >about Nonverbal Communication uses nouns as its main command type instead of verbs ? for example, WORKSHOP or ME. Entering a noun will cause every verb in the vicinity (given physical form by the Automatons) to apply its action to the object containing the noun. Be aware that any broken object will lose its noun and verb, which will put it outside your sphere of influence! Three different endings can be obtained at the end of the game, one of which has two possible variations. The ending you get depends on your approach (or lack thereof) to dealing with the dragon. Although most of the default commands have been disabled, these ones can still be used: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, WAIT, TRANSCRIPT, VERIFY, VERSION. >* oh ME That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton walks towards you. The Depositor Automaton picks you up in its claw, hoisting you above the room. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Depositor Automaton drapes your body across the Ambler Automaton's back. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >gazer You extend your energy towards the Gazer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton stands above the Gazer Automaton, swaying happily from side to side. The Depositor Automaton deftly grabs the Gazer Automaton out from under the Ambler Automaton and lifts it into the air. The Gazer Automaton beeps. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton spins around on itself. The Depositor Automaton places the Gazer Automaton on your face. The Gazer Automaton's arms firmly grip the sides of your head, securing the glasses to your face. You can detect objects much further away now! As you suspected, your verbs have chosen suitable vessels to keep expressing their power, forming various automatons (inanimate objects that gain life through magic). If memory serves you right, the alphabet principle should apply here: the order of priority for words matches their alphabetical order. Maybe those stubborn verbs can still help you survive, if you play your cards right... The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of you: "A powerful Word Mage who also dabbles in potion-making and enchanted mechanics. Currently in a rather pitiful state." At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your bedroom. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. As the Ambler Automaton makes its way down the stairs, the workshop's entryway collapses behind you! Large pieces of rubble now block the path upstairs. The Basher Automaton is idling in the bedroom, its large hammers and even larger frame lending it an imposing presence. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. Thankfully, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >* oops! That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >* helpful to not have to backtrack That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >* this will be a bad idea That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton spins around on itself. The Basher Automaton swiftly rolls up to you. The last thing you see is its hammer arm swinging towards you... *** VIOLENCE ISN'T THE ANSWER TO THIS ONE *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > * Lol Please give one of the answers above. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. With a heavy blow, the Basher Automaton reduces the dresser to pieces, burying its contents under jagged wooden shards. You feel the noun's power fading away. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >basher You extend your energy towards the Basher Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton gets as close as possible to the Basher Automaton. Looking up at its giant hammers, you feel nervous. Without a hint of hesitation, the Basher Automaton gives itself two simultaneous blows, crossing its mighty hammers. Its arms fall off (thankfully not on you), and the verb ATTACK floats out of its hollow body. It mischievously bops you on the head before zooming away. You feel the noun BASHER lose its power. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >ambler You extend your energy towards the Ambler Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton chases its own behind. The Basher Automaton swiftly rolls towards the Ambler Automaton and prepares to batter it. Unfortunately, you've placed yourself right on its victim's back... *** VIOLENCE ISN'T THE ANSWER TO THIS ONE *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Bedroom [Previous turn undone.] You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Basher Automaton towers over everything else in the room, hammers at the ready. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >basher You extend your energy towards the Basher Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton gets as close as possible to the Basher Automaton. Looking up at its giant hammers, you feel nervous. Without a hint of hesitation, the Basher Automaton gives itself two simultaneous blows, crossing its mighty hammers. Its arms fall off (thankfully not on you), and the verb ATTACK floats out of its hollow body. It mischievously bops you on the head before zooming away. You feel the noun BASHER lose its power. The Gazer Automaton fails to find a noun to act upon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >* hmm, I guess that was ok? You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the dresser: "A wooden dresser adorned with intricate carvings." Its drawers are currently closed. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >* hmm That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >exposer You extend your energy towards the Exposer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks back and forth, following the Exposer Automaton's ever-shifting rope. The Exposer Automaton twists itself into knots, but finds nothing to open. The Fastener Automaton slaps the Exposer Automaton's rope, sending it into an energetic twirl. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Exposer Automaton: "An oddly-named automaton ? is 'exposer' even a real noun? You do recall reading about new words emerging in these kinds of unusual circumstances. The words' vessel consists of a long rope anchored to a pyramidal base." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >fastener You extend your energy towards the Fastener Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks into the Fastener Automaton's metallic pole. Ping! The Exposer Automaton snakes its rope between the the Fastener Automaton's fingers in search of something to open. The Fastener Automaton closes its fingers, making a fist. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Fastener Automaton: "A long and multi-jointed metallic arm, embedded into the kitchen floor, that waves around a large artificial hand. You made it out of an old glove, and sometimes use it as an assistant when you're preparing food or potions." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >patnry That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >pantry You extend your energy towards the pantry. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the pantry door, bumping against it softly. The Exposer Automaton deftly snakes its rope around the pantry door and flicks it open, revealing a varied selection of dried goods. On the bottom shelf, you spot some dragonsbane ? that should be the perfect deterrent for your invader! The Fastener Automaton slaps the open pantry door, slamming it shut. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the pantry: "A place to keep your ingredients away from light and heat." Its door is currently closed. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >* aha That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >foyer You extend your energy towards the foyer. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the foyer. Foyer You are in the foyer. The Collector Automaton is standing in the foyer, leaning against a wall. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the foyer: "A room designed to be beautiful and inviting. If you ever had guests, they'd surely appreciate the warm welcome." The front door to your home is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >collector You extend your energy towards the Collector Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nudges the Collector Automaton. In a little dance, the Collector Automaton swings its metal handle around, trying to catch its own bucket. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Collector Automaton: "A wooden bucket perched on two articulated supports, currently being used as legs." The front door to your home is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >me You focus your energy on yourself, sending out a wave of magic that beckons to all nearby verbs. The Ambler Automaton spins around on itself. The Collector Automaton makes a valiant attempt to pick you up, but only manages to make your feet bounce around. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of you: "A powerful Word Mage who also dabbles in potion-making and enchanted mechanics. Currently in a rather pitiful state." The front door to your home is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >door You extend your energy towards the front door. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nuzzles up to the front door. The Collector Automaton hops around the door, clattering against it, but fails to collect it. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the front door: "A plain wooden door, imbued with a spell that makes it nigh-impossible to open from the outside." It is currently closed. The front door to your home is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Collector Automaton saunters into the kitchen and starts jumping against the walls, trying to scoop them up. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor of the kitchen, resting on its small pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >attack That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >thin That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >think There must be something you can find around the tower that will help you ward off the dragon. >* did this make things unwinnable? That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >l That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in the kitchen. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Collector Automaton impatiently rocks back and forth as it stands around. The Exposer Automaton is on the floor, its rope floating up from the pyramidal base. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the room, its metal arm half-folded. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >collector You extend your energy towards the Collector Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nudges the Collector Automaton. In a little dance, the Collector Automaton swings its metal handle around, trying to catch its own bucket. The Exposer Automaton examines the Collector Automaton's bucket, but finds that it's already open. The Fastener Automaton feels around for a way to cover the Collector Automaton's bucket, but only finds a handle to manipulate. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Collector Automaton: "A wooden bucket perched on two articulated supports, currently being used as legs." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >pantry You extend your energy towards the pantry. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the pantry door, bumping against it softly. The Collector Automaton hits its rim against the pantry door, unsuccessfully beckoning it into its bucket. The Exposer Automaton deftly snakes its rope around the pantry door and flicks it open, revealing a varied selection of dried goods. On the bottom shelf, you spot some dragonsbane ? that should be the perfect deterrent for your invader! The Fastener Automaton slaps the open pantry door, slamming it shut. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the pantry: "A place to keep your ingredients away from light and heat." Its door is currently closed. The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >fastener You extend your energy towards the Fastener Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks into the Fastener Automaton's metallic pole. Ping! The Collector Automaton jumps as high as it can, but it can't reach the Fastener Automaton's hand. The Exposer Automaton snakes its rope between the the Fastener Automaton's fingers in search of something to open. The Fastener Automaton closes its fingers, making a fist. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Fastener Automaton: "A long and multi-jointed metallic arm, embedded into the kitchen floor, that waves around a large artificial hand. You made it out of an old glove, and sometimes use it as an assistant when you're preparing food or potions." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >collector You extend your energy towards the Collector Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nudges the Collector Automaton. In a little dance, the Collector Automaton swings its metal handle around, trying to catch its own bucket. The Exposer Automaton examines the Collector Automaton's bucket, but finds that it's already open. The Fastener Automaton feels around for a way to cover the Collector Automaton's bucket, but only finds a handle to manipulate. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Collector Automaton: "A wooden bucket perched on two articulated supports, currently being used as legs." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >fastener You extend your energy towards the Fastener Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks into the Fastener Automaton's metallic pole. Ping! The Collector Automaton jumps as high as it can, but it can't reach the Fastener Automaton's hand. The Exposer Automaton snakes its rope between the the Fastener Automaton's fingers in search of something to open. The Fastener Automaton closes its fingers, making a fist. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Fastener Automaton: "A long and multi-jointed metallic arm, embedded into the kitchen floor, that waves around a large artificial hand. You made it out of an old glove, and sometimes use it as an assistant when you're preparing food or potions." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >exposer You extend your energy towards the Exposer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks back and forth, following the Exposer Automaton's ever-shifting rope. The Collector Automaton struggles to wedge its rim underneath the Exposer Automaton's base, but finally manages to pick it up! The exposed length of rope waves around as the Collector Automaton proudly struts about the room. The Exposer Automaton twists itself into knots, but finds nothing to open. The Fastener Automaton slaps the Exposer Automaton's rope, sending it into an energetic twirl. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Exposer Automaton: "An oddly-named automaton ? is 'exposer' even a real noun? You do recall reading about new words emerging in these kinds of unusual circumstances. The words' vessel consists of a long rope anchored to a pyramidal base." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >* ah, great You seem to want to talk to someone, but I can't see whom. >bedroom You extend your energy towards the bedroom. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the bedroom. Bedroom You are in your bedroom. The Collector Automaton skips into the bedroom and enthusiastically jumps around, trying to collect the room itself. The Exposer Automaton moves its rope across the bedroom floor in a sweeping motion. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the bedroom: "Your bedroom is made cozier by an assortment of rugs and tapestries that cover the cold stone surfaces. Thankfully, everything seems mostly intact despite the destruction that happened upstairs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are closed. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >dresser You extend your energy towards the dresser. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton tries to walk into the dresser with a thud. The Collector Automaton rubs against the drawer handles, trying its hardest to pick up the dresser. The Exposer Automaton wraps its rope around the handle of each drawer, briskly yanking them open. A small golden locket falls out from somewhere inside the dresser, hitting the floor with a melodic ding. You sense something hiding within it that terrifies you. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the dresser: "A wooden dresser adorned with intricate carvings." Its drawers are currently open, filled with things that you have no use for right now. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. A small golden locket lies on the floor, clasped shut. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >locket You extend your energy towards the locket. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton bumps into the dresser drawers as it tries to stand near the locket. The Collector Automaton rushes towards the locket and bends down to scoop it up. After a few unsuccessful attempts, it manages to snag the locket's chain on one of its handle hinges, suspending it near its rim. The Exposer Automaton flattens the tip of its rope and slides it between the two halves of the locket, popping it open. Nestled inside the locket is a weak, malnourished word, so shrivelled that you barely recognize it: APOLOGIZE. Painful memories come flooding back. You'd torn the verb out of yourself in a fit of petty rage after a particularly awful argument with your dearest friend. You'd thrown it to the wind and told it never to return. It didn't take long for the wind to carry her away, too. You'd managed to convince yourself that you didn't miss it, that anyway there was no going back. Had it been hidden here all these years, hoping you'd have a change of heart? The APOLOGIZE falls out of the locket and lays on the floor, unmoving. It looks so brittle that you fear it could disappear any moment. But it slowly starts to crawl across the floor, and laboriously makes its way up the Ambler Automaton's leg. You welcome it back into yourself. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the locket: "A beautiful golden locket, dulled by age and neglect. The word IGNIPTER is engraved on its front in small cursive letters." It is currently open, revealing a small portrait of Ignipter the dragon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >* oh we have history That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >apologize The one you need to apologize to is not here. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >l That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >wait A moment passes as you let your energy rest. You are in your bedroom. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Collector Automaton impatiently rocks back and forth as it stands around. Hanging from its side is a small golden locket, in which you can see a portrait of Ignipter. Sticking out from the bucket is a long, lively rope. The Exposer Automaton is being carried by the Collector Automaton, its rope sticking out from the wooden bucket. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >collector You extend your energy towards the Collector Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nudges the Collector Automaton. In a little dance, the Collector Automaton swings its metal handle around, trying to catch its own bucket. The Exposer Automaton examines the Collector Automaton's bucket, but finds that it's already open. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Collector Automaton: "A wooden bucket perched on two articulated supports, currently being used as legs." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >locket You extend your energy towards the locket. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton bumps against the Collector Automaton as it tries to stand near the locket. The Collector Automaton runs in circles, causing the locket to sway and clack against its wood. The Exposer Automaton flips the locket around, but finds nothing more to open. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the locket: "A beautiful golden locket, dulled by age and neglect. The word IGNIPTER is engraved on its front in small cursive letters." It is currently open, revealing a small portrait of Ignipter the dragon. Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >exposer You extend your energy towards the Exposer Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks back and forth, following the Exposer Automaton's ever-shifting rope. The Collector Automaton chases the end of the Exposer Automaton's rope, trying in vain to get every last bit of it into its bucket. The Exposer Automaton twists itself into knots, but finds nothing to open. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Exposer Automaton: "An oddly-named automaton ? is 'exposer' even a real noun? You do recall reading about new words emerging in these kinds of unusual circumstances. The words' vessel consists of a long rope anchored to a pyramidal base." Your bedroom dresser's drawers are open, displaying things you don't currently need. At the bottom of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >kitchen You extend your energy towards the kitchen. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the kitchen. Kitchen You are in the kitchen. The Collector Automaton saunters into the kitchen and starts jumping against the walls, trying to scoop them up. The Fastener Automaton is in the middle of the kitchen, its metal arm extending up from the floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the kitchen: "Well-stocked with food as well as a variety of magical ingredients." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >fastener You extend your energy towards the Fastener Automaton. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks into the Fastener Automaton's metallic pole. Ping! The Collector Automaton jumps as high as it can, but it can't reach the Fastener Automaton's hand. The Exposer Automaton snakes its rope between the the Fastener Automaton's fingers in search of something to open. The Fastener Automaton closes its fingers, making a fist. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the Fastener Automaton: "A long and multi-jointed metallic arm, embedded into the kitchen floor, that waves around a large artificial hand. You made it out of an old glove, and sometimes use it as an assistant when you're preparing food or potions." The door to your kitchen pantry is shut. There is a steep staircase leading up to your bedroom, and another leading down to the foyer. >* hmm That's no longer in your vocabulary. [HINT: try inputting only a noun! If you're stuck, you can always take some time to THINK.] >foyer You extend your energy towards the foyer. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton walks you to the foyer. Foyer You are in the foyer. The Collector Automaton barrels down the stairs and starts scooping at the floor. It manages to pick up a piece of lint and looks very pleased with itself. The Exposer Automaton curiously picks at the foyer's carpeted floor. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the foyer: "A room designed to be beautiful and inviting. If you ever had guests, they'd surely appreciate the warm welcome." The front door to your home is currently closed. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >door You extend your energy towards the front door. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton nuzzles up to the front door. The Collector Automaton hops around the door, clattering against it, but fails to collect it. The Exposer Automaton energetically opens the front door, letting air and sunlight into the room. The Gazer Automaton beeps and displays a description of the front door: "A plain wooden door, imbued with a spell that makes it nigh-impossible to open from the outside." It is currently open, and you can see the yard. The front door to your home is open, and you can see the yard outside of your tower. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. You can see your front yard. >yard You extend your energy towards the yard. As your magic touches the noun, its power briefly ebbs outwards, beckoning to all verbs near you. The Ambler Automaton carries you outside. Yard The Ambler Automaton steps out into the yard. Your eyes widen as you're immediately confronted with the sight of Ignipter, who was waiting outside your tower! You anxiously stare as she lowers her head towards you, her maw slightly ajar, revealing fangs almost as long as you are tall. But your gaze slowly shifts to her eyes, and you're surprised to find them filled with apprehension and sadness. Is this what you were so afraid of? The weight of the wasted decades, of the guilt, of the frustration at the futility of it all, is almost too much to bear. This time, you don't let yourself sink. "I'm sorry." She roars mournfully. "I'm so sorry..." Months later, you've regained almost all of your words and have gone back to your various wizardly projects (you're currently upgrading your six-legged ambulatory machine, whom you've grown very fond of). In many ways, you've returned to your old routines. But on your nightstand, a book on healthy communication lies atop Draconic for Dummies, and you've purged all dragonsbane from your property. Whenever you spot a familiar dragon in your crystal ball, heading straight for your tower, you're now filled with happiness. *** ENDING 3 OUT OF 3: FORGIVENESS *** Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > * yay! Please give one of the answers above. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > * curious about other endings Please give one of the answers above. Would you like to RESTART, RESTORE a saved game, QUIT or UNDO the last command? > undo Foyer [Previous turn undone.] You are in the foyer. The Ambler Automaton creaks quietly underneath you. The Collector Automaton impatiently rocks back and forth as it stands around. Hanging from its side is a small golden locket, in which you can see a portrait of Ignipter. Sticking out from the bucket is a long, lively rope. The Exposer Automaton is being carried by the Collector Automaton, its rope sticking out from the wooden bucket. You can feel the Gazer Automaton's strong grip on the sides of your head. The front door to your home is open, and you can see the yard outside of your tower. At the top of a steep staircase, you can see your kitchen. >about Nonverbal Communication uses nouns as its main command type instead of verbs ? for example, WORKSHOP or ME. Entering a noun will cause every verb in the vicinity (given physical form by the Automatons) to apply its action to the object containing the noun. Be aware that any broken object will lose its noun and verb, which will put it outside your sphere of influence! Three different endings can be obtained at the end of the game, one of which has two possible variations. The ending you get depends on your approach (or lack thereof) to dealing with the dragon. Although most of the default commands have been disabled, these ones can still be used: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, WAIT, TRANSCRIPT, VERIFY, VERSION. >help Nonverbal Communication uses nouns as its main command type instead of verbs ? for example, WORKSHOP or ME. Entering a noun will cause every verb in the vicinity (given physical form by the Automatons) to apply its action to the object containing the noun. Be aware that any broken object will lose its noun and verb, which will put it outside your sphere of influence! Three different endings can be obtained at the end of the game, one of which has two possible variations. The ending you get depends on your approach (or lack thereof) to dealing with the dragon. Although most of the default commands have been disabled, these ones can still be used: UNDO, SAVE, RESTORE, RESTART, QUIT, CREDITS, WAIT, TRANSCRIPT, VERIFY, VERSION. >