For trying an action, instead basically means “abide by whatever rules apply to this action,” I think. See the result of the instead rule in output from this example:
[code]“Example” by Otis
Icy Meadow is a room. A fixed in place container called an oak tree is in Icy Meadow. “The kite-eating tree is here, looking dangerously thin this late in the winter.”
Check inserting something into the oak tree (this is the can’t reach branches rule):
say “It’s a tall tree; you can’t reach the branches unaided.”;
rule fails.
The player carries a stick. The player carries an enterable supporter called a stepladder. Understand “ladder” as the stepladder. The player carries a burning torch. The player carries an edible thing called an apple.
Check inserting the burning torch into the oak tree (this is the don’t burn tree rule):
say “I don’t think so. Trees are flammable, you know.”;
rule fails.
Instead of eating something (this is the better the tree eats it rule):
say “You decide the tree needs it more than you do.”;
try inserting the noun into the oak tree instead.
The can’t reach branches rule does nothing when the player is supported by the stepladder.
Every turn when something (called the snack) is in the oak tree (this is the tree eats things in it rule):
try the oak tree eating the snack.
Check the oak tree eating something not edible (called the tidbit) (this is the trees can’t eat inedible things rule):
say “The tree gnaws on [the tidbit], but [they’re] too tough to eat.”;
rule fails.
Check an actor eating (this is the revised can’t eat portable food without carrying it rule):
if the actor is not a person:
continue the action;
if the noun is portable and the actor is not carrying the noun:
carry out the implicitly taking activity with the noun;
if the actor is not carrying the noun, stop the action.
The revised can’t eat portable food without carrying it rule is listed instead of the can’t eat portable food without carrying it rule in the check eating rulebook.
After the oak tree eating something (called the snack) (this is the trees can eat edible things rule):
say “The tree gratefully chomps down [the snack].”
test me with “put stick in tree / put torch in tree / actions / eat apple / actions off / drop stepladder / stand on it / put stick in tree / put torch in tree / actions / eat apple”[/code]